Update on La Soufrière volcano by Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams and Director of the Seismic Research Centre, Professor Richard Robertson – April 12, 2021. (PMO)

Barbadians may be forced to deal with the unpredictability of volcanic activity from the La Soufriere volcano over the next couple of months, but they will be kept abreast at every stage.

Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams, gave this promise tonight during a nationally televised La Soufriere emergency update, while pointing out that the situation was a difficult one, which the island had not expected to be of this magnitude.

Minister Abrahams stated that while authorities can issue warnings 90 minutes before another dust plume blanketed the island, the short window hindered the ability to properly plan for any eventuality.

He said Government was trying its best with an “unfamiliar situation” and pledged to “bring the experts in the area to explain to us so that you can get a better understanding of what is really going on and have as many of your questions answered”. 

Mr. Abrahams cautioned Barbadians that the situation would not resolve itself in a day, but said he was satisfied that Government was making a start and urged the public to be safe; to take care of those around them; take care of their health and stay off the roads.

The Home Affairs Minister acknowledged that the last few days had been difficult for Barbadians and he encouraged them to pray for their Vincentian neighbours.

“While this is a very difficult time for us, it is a life-changing and life-threatening time for those in St. Vincent. So, please let us not lose sight of our brothers and sisters over in St. Vincent who still need our help,” he underlined.

Featured photo credit: The UWI Seismic Research Centre

julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb

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