The UN has shown deep solidarity with Saint Vincent after recent eruptions of La Soufrière volcano, emphasizing the urgency of assistance for evacuees. With around 15,000 individuals requiring immediate aid, the UN has announced $1 million in support and is assessing recovery efforts amidst ongoing threats from explosive activity and infrastructure damage. The situation calls for massive recovery efforts as the community copes with the aftermath of the eruptions.

The United Nations has expressed profound solidarity with the people and government of Saint Vincent following eruptions from La Soufrière volcano. Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the difficulties faced during this crisis, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impending hurricane season. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric affirmed the full support of the United Nations and praised local response efforts.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a small island nation in the southern Caribbean, features over thirty islands and cays, only nine of which are inhabited. Dominating the main island is La Soufrière, which had remained dormant since 1979 until it erupted fully on April 9. Dujarric noted that the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is set to release $1 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to aid in the crisis response.

In response to the unfolding situation, Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, along with representatives from UNICEF, WFP, and PAHO, traveled to the region to evaluate recovery efforts. They reported a dire need for assistance for approximately 15,000 evacuees following the recent eruption. Trebucq described the devastating impacts on infrastructure, indicating that the area is marked by desolation and ongoing threats of further eruptions.

Estimates from PAHO indicate that up to 20,000 individuals have been evacuated, with about 1,450 families displaced. Satellite imagery has revealed the formation of a new crater approximately 100 meters deep. Despite ongoing evacuations, explosive eruptions, gas emissions, ashes, and tremors pose significant challenges to humanitarian efforts, leading to extensive damage across the region.

Temporary accommodations for evacuees are limited, and the local airport remains closed until 4:00 PM Monday due to the situation.

The recent volcanic eruptions on Saint Vincent have prompted a significant response from the United Nations, emphasizing the urgency of assistance as the local population faces evacuation and displacement challenges. With assistance efforts underway and financial support allocated, the UN remains committed to providing help as recovery efforts commence amidst ongoing threats from the volcano. The devastation underscores the need for continued international solidarity and support for the affected communities.

Original Source: news.un.org

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