Some of the equipment at the Wallibou volcano monitoring station has been stolen, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) said on Tuesday.
Two large solar panels were stolen, wires connecting the power to the seismic station were cut, and two batteries were removed, NEMO said, adding that the batteries were found in the nearby bushes.
“Without this equipment, we cannot effectively monitor the volcano as we would like; this is a real concern as the Wallibou seismic station is one of the most reliable stations mainly due to the strategic location of the station on the lower flank of the volcano,” NEMO said.
NEMO said it was making an urgent plea for members of the public not to tamper with or remove any equipment that is used to monitor La Soufriere volcano.
The theft was uncovered on Tuesday when a team from the Soufriere Monitoring Unit visited the site at Wallibou, where a seismic station and rain gauge are installed.
NEMO said the station is crucial to the monitoring network as it is generally the first station to pick up any seismic events relevant to volcanic activity.
“The lack of data due to this vandalisation creates a significant gap within the seismic network.
“We must remember that the La Soufriere is a very active volcano that must be closely monitored. Acts of vandalism place the population at risk of not receiving timely and early warning on activities at the volcano,” NEMO said.
The disaster management agency urged anyone with information on the removal of the solar panels and damage to the station to contact the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force at 457-1211, 458-2229 or call 911/999.
La Soufriere last erupted in April 2021, resulting in the relocation of about 20,000 people, almost one-fifth of the population of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and significant damage and loss to agriculture and public infrastructure.
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Now the general public needs to keep am eye out for anyone trying to sell or install the panel and report the individual to the police.