The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has raised the La Soufriere Volcano Hazard Alert Level to orange due to an effusive eruption at the volcano. According to Professor Richard Robertson of the Seismic Research Centre, University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus, there was an effusive eruption at the La Soufriere Volcano, which means that magma is coming out of the volcano quietly. Professor Robertson also stated that a new dome is also growing nearby.

The Orange Alert level means that highly elevated level of seismicity or fumarolic activity or both or other highly unusual activities are ongoing.

Persons living in areas close to the volcano which include all the communities from Fancy to Georgetown and from Belle Isle to Richmond are asked to remain alert and listen to all advisories from the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).

The National Emergency Council, chaired by the Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves met today to decide on the course of action that should be followed to ensure the safety of the residence.

The Executive Committee of NEMO, which comprises of Technical Officers form the various Government Departments, Private Sectors and the Non- Governmental Organizations will meet on Wednesday 30th December, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. to activate plans to protect lives in the event that the level of seismicity increases and evacuation becomes necessary.

The National Emergency Management Organisation wishes to inform the public that no evacuation order or notice has been given. The public is also reminded that at this time the La Soufriere Volcano is off-limits and is now closed to the general public due to the dangerous emissions and the serious threat that rapid change at the crater can pose.