Doing our part to help the victims in the Island of St. Vincent!
A volcano located on the Caribbean island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines erupted on April 9 for the first time in decades, displacing thousands of people, according to UN News.
It has sparked a growing humanitarian crisis that some experts believe will last months.
The long-dormant La Soufrière volcano began showing signs of activity in December 2020 and began erupting earlier this month, covering the main island of St. Vincent in ash. Last week, the National Emergency Management Organization of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (NEMO) said that the volcano had moved into an explosive state and urged residents to evacuate.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is home to just over 110,000 people, 4,000 of whom are currently living in shelters across the island. Some of the shelters lack basic services, and the entire population of the main island does not have access to clean water and electricity.
Now, officials on the island nation are worried about an accelerated COVID-19 outbreak as residents flee affected areas and crowd into shelters and family homes, according to the Guardian.
Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves has thanked world leaders and volunteer efforts for their support of the people affected and displaced by the volcano.