Response to Volcanic Eruption on St. Vincent Underway

_{Ash rises into the air as La Soufriere volcano erupts on the eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Orvil Samuel)}

April 20, 2021 | 8:15 a.m.

“It’s real rough,” 46-year-old Suzanne Thomas said. “We have to use one jug of water to shower, brush [our] teeth, and flush the toilet.”

Suzanne, who is from a community in eastern St. Vincent, has not had access to running water since the eruption. Now that water is scarce in many St. Vincent communities, she has given shelter to nine evacuees who sleep on her floor atop spare rugs and blankets.

“It’s not easy to bathe with half a bucket,” agreed 17-year-old Kevin. He has also struggled to find water since La Soufrière contaminated much of St. Vincent’s water supply with volcanic ash.

As displaced residents persevered after the volcanic blast, Convoy of Hope rushed to provide help. Through distribution events on the island, we have placed hundreds of hygiene kits, food parcels, and cases of water in the hands of those who need them most. To date, we have distributed more than 52,000 meals to people affected by this disaster.

Thank you for supporting Convoy of Hope as we continue to reach people affected by the La Soufrière eruption.

Click here to support Convoy of Hope as we provide hope to those affected by La Soufrière.

April 15, 2021 | 8:15 a.m.

Convoy of Hope is currently responding to the eruption of La Soufrière in the Caribbean.

Throughout the past several days, La Soufrière volcano on the eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent has continued to erupt, launching clouds of ash and hot gas over the island.

“What I saw was indeed terrible.”

Montgomery Daniel, Vincentian Deputy Prime Minister

In some areas, several feet of ash have accumulated, covering homes, vehicles, and roadways. Areas closer to the base of the volcano were charred by billowing clouds of hot gas and volcanic matter — pyroclastic flow — which hurdled down La Soufrière at highway speeds.

“What I saw was indeed terrible,” Montgomery Daniel, Vincentian Deputy Prime Minister, said of the scene.

To date, approximately 20,000 people have evacuated from at-risk locations. Experts estimate that it could be months before displaced people can return to their homes. Falling ash has contaminated many of St. Vincent’s water sources, leading to further concern about the long-term effects of the disaster.

“Convoy of Hope is there to serve families affected by this volcano who have fled, in many cases, with only the clothes on their backs,” said Convoy of Hope’s International Response Director, Ryan Grabill. “We’re working with local partners on the ground to meet the most significant needs at this time.”

Convoy of Hope is providing food, water, hygiene supplies, and other necessities to survivors in the area. As our response continues, we will post updates.

Click here to support Convoy of Hope as we provide hope to those affected by La Soufrière.