La Soufriere Volcano: NEMO SVG advised public to exercise caution

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advised the public to be careful and exercise discretion in neighbourhoods close to valleys, rivers, streams, low-lying fields and areas inclined to flood and landslides.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services stated openings of light to medium showers are required between now and early Tuesday morning. The services at Jennings Valley, South Rivers and Majorca recorded over an inch of rainfall over a six (6) hour period, and dirt is still soaked from the heavy rainfall event.

More downpours may result in flooding and slides. There is also a heavy pile of volcanic ash, particularly in channels close to the La Soufriere Volcano, which can result in Lahars or mudflows in rainy conditions.

Residents are asked to be on the alert for potential impacts emerging from rain-soaked ash. NEMO also asked inhabitants, particularly in the Yellow, Orange and Red Zones must withdraw from areas within the vicinity of rivers due to deadly mudflows (Lahars).

NEMO has also asked motorists are also asked to practice caution on the streets due to unsafe road situations that can happen when ash mixes with rainwater.