Met officials warn of smoke from La Palma volcano

ONCE again Barbados is feeling some effects of volcanic smoke, but this time La Soufrière is not to be blamed. 

Yesterday morning, officials from the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) alerted the public that volcanic smoke was visible in Barbados from La Palma Volcano, Canary Islands located off the coast of northwest Africa. By afternoon, Senior Meteorologist Racquel Davis issued a haze information statement for the island. 

According to Davis: “Volcanic smoke from La Palma Canary Islands located just off the northwestern coast of Africa, is causing a reduction in visibility across Barbados and the marine area. The public is advised to know that the intensity of the volcanic smoke will vary over the next few days once eruptions continue. 

“Persons with respiratory issues or allergies should ensure that they travel with or have close to hand all prescribed relevant medication. Marinas are advised to take note of the reduction in visibility and monitor the situation closely. Along with forecasts for any possible deterioration. 

“The Barbados Meteorological Services wishes to remind our audience to first verify all information with the BMS official sources, such as the BMS website or social media pages before sharing or spreading this bullet into others.” 

It was back in April of this year that La Soufrière volcano in neighbouring St. Vincent exploded, spewing tonnes of ash high into the atmosphere which made its way to Barbados. 

Yesterday, authorities reported that hundreds of people were evacuated during the night on the Spanish island of La Palma as a river of molten rock crept deeper into a coastal town during a protracted volcanic eruption. It is estimated that 7,500 people have been forced to flee since the Cumbre Vieja began erupting on September 19.