La Soufriere erupts for a fourth time

THE La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines has erupted for the fourth time since Friday. And coincidentally, it happened on the anniversary of the volcano's 1979 eruption.

The volcano, which is now producing pyroclastic flows, first erupted on Friday morning, then once in the afternoon and again in the evening.

People from the northern side of the island, the "red zone," have been evacuating their homes since last Thursday. But the country's prime minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said dozens still refuse to move. The police now have the power to arrest anyone found there without permission.

The UWI Seismic Research Centre said Tuesday's explosive blast began around 6.30 am and "still continues at the time of this post.

"We continue to monitor and update accordingly."

Prof of Geology Richard Robertson said the latest explosion was not as energetic as the previous ones, according to a tweet from the National Emergency Management Organisation in SVG.

"Classic vulcanian eruptions possible over the next few days," the tweet said.

THE La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines has erupted for the fourth time since Friday. And coincidentally, it happened on the anniversary of the volcano's 1979 eruption. Video courtesy Kelroy Richards of St Vincent, taken on Tuesday morning. pic.twitter.com/WGUBQgBx9V

— T&T Newsday (@Newsday_TT) April 13, 2021