La Soufrière Volcano: Humanitarian needs remain urgent, as ongoing volcanic activity prevents return home
Photo: SVG Red Cross / IFRC
Panama/Geneva/Kingstown, SVG, 7 May 2021 – One month after the explosive eruption of La Soufrière volcano, uncertainty remains, as ongoing volcanic activity prevents people from returning home and hurricane season approaches. Red Cross has supported more than 2,000 people with water and emergency relief supplies since the initial eruption on 9 April.
“We are responding to an emergency within another emergency as the eruption affects a country already impacted by an ongoing dengue outbreak and the social and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent heavy rainfall resulting in landslides and flooding and leading to damage and destruction of property makes the situation even more difficult. Responding to and recovering from these overlapping crises is challenging and will take time,” said Harvey Farrell, Vice-President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross (SVGRC).