increase font size Volcano erupts on Caribbean island of St. Vincent as thousands evacuate Emergency management officials said the ash column was about 20,000 feet high and that the ash was headed east into the Atlantic Ocean. By DÁNICA COTOAssociated Press Share SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — An explosive eruption rocked La Soufrière volcano on the eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent on Friday following mandatory evacuation orders from the local government. Emergency management officials said the ash column was about 20,000 feet high and that the ash was headed east into the Atlantic Ocean. At 8:41 am this morning 9-4-21 an explosive eruption began at La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent. This is a culmination of the seismic activity that began on April 8. The eruption is ongoing and more information will be shared as things progress. #lasoufriere#uwi#volcano#svgpic.twitter.com/C2zWrjPcpP