Local media iWitness News reported that while the area is located in the danger zone as declared by authorities, residents are trying to prevent their roofs from collapsing under the weight of the ash.

Volcanic ash in Georgetown, the capital of northeastern St. Vincent have turned to almost concrete following heavy rains and more eruptions on Friday, April 16, 2021.

Break-ins & burglaries now rampant

Residents displaced from the ongoing volcanic activity have also been grappling with break-ins and burglaries when returning to their homes, after evacuation to stay at government shelters.

On Friday, after 41 hours without exploding, the volcano went off again at 6:16 am and has alerted authorities at how unpredictable the volcano can be with calls for persons to stay out of the danger zone, where the volcano-related hazards are greatest.

Ahead of the latest eruption, Volcanologist Professor Richard Robertson had said on local radio that based on observations, it had looked as if the volcano was out of the period of exploding.

“But, of course, Soufriere don’t like to be told what it is doing. So it proved me completely wrong,” said Robertson on NBC Radio on Friday. Mr Johnson had accurately predicted on Thursday, April 8, that the volcano could erupt within 24 to 48 hours, resulting in the first eruption.

Ahead of the latest eruption, Volcanologist Professor Richard Robertson had said on local radio that based on observations, it had looked as if the volcano was out of the period of exploding.

More explosions could come - Professor Robertson

“We are not out of the explosive period yet and we still could have explosions going forward. I don’t think I will be saying we are outside of the explosive period for a little while now,” Robertson said.

Meanwhile, St. Vincent Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves reiterated his plea for persons to leave the red zone area as the volcano continues to erupt and generate possibly pyroclastic density currents (PCDs).

Despite the warnings, the Prime Minister said that on the Island, not many people affected by the volcano have indicated a willingness to evacuate to neighbouring Caribbean countires.

The Virgin Islands has so far organised cash relief and potable water supplies to be sent to the Island in its first relief effort, with Premier Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) indicating that the VI will do whatever it can to help the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Local media iWitness News reported that while the area is located in the danger zone as declared by authorities, residents are trying to prevent their roofs from collapsing under the weight of the ash

St. Vincent Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves continues his plea for persons to leave the red zone area as the volcano continues to erupt and generate possibly pyroclastic density currents (PCDs).