THIS IS A RE-POST

(By Ernesto Cooke) – The Southern Caribbean island of St Vincent and the Grenadines is now making final arrangements for evacuating northern communities as activity on the islands active volcano La Soufriere increases.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves made the announcement at a press conference called by the island government.

A new series of tremors took place this morning, which takes on a different meaning, the Prime Minister told the nation.

Geologist Richard Robertson said at 3 am Thursday, monitoring stations reported low-level seismic activity, with four different ones at varying times, with the latest at 10 am.

Long-period earthquakes were also reported; all these mean that fresh magma is trying to reach the surface, all indications show that the volcano wants to move to an explosive stage.

The earliest period that shows there can be an explosive eruption is NOW, the next few hours or days, Robertson says.

The geologist also stated that the volcano could return to normal as well.

In its latest bulletin at 10 am on Thursday morning, NEMO said steaming/smoking at the La Soufriere Volcano has increased over the last few hours.

Residents, especially persons living in communities close to the volcano, are encouraged to be prepared if it becomes necessary to evacuate at short notice.

The alert remains at Orange.