by Linda Straker
- 9 April an explosive eruption began at La Soufrière volcano
- Grenada willing to emergency accommodate up to 1,600 persons at SGU
- All incoming persons will go through MOH quarantine screening protocols
Grenada’s Government said that it will be willing to accept Vincentians who are affected by the eruption of La Soufrière volcano, but each person will have to go through the established Covid-19 quarantine protocol before mixing with citizens.
“All incoming persons will go through the quarantine screening protocols as directed by the Ministry of Health,” said a news release from the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA), the organisation mandated by the National Emergency Advisory Committee (NEAC) to lead and coordinate the opening and management of shelters.
Sen. Winston Garraway convened an emergency meeting on Thursday night in response to the developing situation involving the imminent eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano on St Vincent. The volcano which has been effusing gas since December 2020, began erupting on Friday morning. “As of 8:41 am this morning April 9, 2021, an explosive eruption began at the 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,” said a message on the UWI Seismic Centre Facebook page.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell had earlier confirmed that Grenada will be willing to emergency accommodate up to 1,600 persons if the need arises. A news release from NaDMA said that St George’s University (SGU) will be the agency for the accommodation of possible evacuees.
“Other stakeholders contributed to the meeting on the possible alternative options for housing through the shelter committee and the entry and processing protocols that will be given in this situation,” said the release issued after the meeting, but before the eruption commenced.
