KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) assured Vincentians Tuesday morning that the nation’s volcano was not erupting but warned of more rains until Thursday.
“NEMO … wishes to inform everyone that rumours that the La Soufriere volcano has become more active are not true,” the organisation said in a press statement.
NEMO said that it had received calls from citizens and media houses enquiring about whether La Soufriere was erupting.
“Some callers indicated they have seen smoke coming from … La Soufriere while other indicated that they were smelling sulphur,” NEMO said.
However, the organisation said that Director Howie Prince had contacted Dr. Richard Robertson, geologist at the Seismic Research Centre at the University of the West Indies in in Trinidad.
Robertson, the statement said, informed the NEMO that there was no unusual activity or any increase in seismic activities on their seismograph recording.
The Soufriere Monitoring Unit in St. Vincent also reported that there was no visible activity or eruption of the volcano, NEMO said.
The organisation reminded residents that the country was still being affected by a trough system that was producing dense clouds and fog, thunder showers, and lightning storms.
“It is possible that lightning flashes combined with low clouds and fog can give an illusion of smoke in the area of the volcano,” the statement explained.
More rains expected
NEMO said that forecasters had indicated that the trough system, which has been affecting the Lesser Antilles over the past few days, continues to affect this country.
Forecasters say residents should expect generally cloudy to overcast skies and scattered showers and possible isolated thunderstorms will continue to spread across the country.
“Analysis of forecast data suggests that these condition will continue to affect the [country] for the next few days. However, conditions will improve with the drying out of the atmosphere by late Thursday, NEMO said.
NEMO further warned that soils were already saturated and encouraged residents in areas prone to flooding and land slippage to be on the alert.
“NEMO wishes to remind everyone that there are reports of landslides, flooding and flash flooding in many areas of the country. Therefore, given the current weather forecast, everyone is asked to take the necessary precaution to save life and protect property,” NEMO said.
The La Soufriere volcano last erupted on April 13th, 1979.