Schools To Remain Closed

As SVG Prepares For A Possible

Eruption Of La Soufriere

Schools will remain closed on the Caribbean island of St Vincent and the Grenadines as the island prepares for a possible eruption of La Soufriere volcano.

The reopening of schools across the island was set to reopen on Monday 12th April 2021, but will now remain close until further notice.

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 morning 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 can 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.