In the hot zone

While Barbadians started their cleanup of the volcanic ash, their neighbours in St.Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) were dealing with several issues. With many citizens going to the City to receive funds through MoneyGram, others were risking their lives to capture the devastation in the red zone of La Soufrière. The Rabacca Dry River, which was reportedly streaming with mud, ash and debris, shocked residents and homeowners while evacuees in shelters expressed concern about the depleted levels of drinking water.

On Monday, La Soufrière had already destroyed property on the once lush environment on the island’s leeward coast. The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) released a few images of the destruction on Facebook and other social media platforms. The volcano had started its phase of pyroclastic flows, which contain fast-moving hot ash and debris. This event is dangerous for anything in its path.

Vincentians getting help from abroad

Local veteran photographer, Kingsley Robert spoke to The Barbados Advocate on Monday. He disclosed that the lines were long in Kingstown and Vincentians were waiting in the dusty environment to enter MoneyGram – this business helps transfer money to people from overseas senders.

However, while most people tried to get resources or seek safety, other Vincentians risked life and limb to enter the red zone of the La Soufrière volcano. With random eruptions and dangerous pyroclastic flows, government and disaster preparedness officials have warned residents to stay out of the severely affected areas. The popular seasonal river, Rabacca Dry River flows on the eastern side of St. Vincent.

One recent video of this river showed dark grey water filled with ash and steam.

The SVG media shared information from the Royal St.Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, which stated that any unauthorised person caught entering the danger zones will be arrested and prosecuted.