Photo: CARICOM
The alert level for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ La Soufriere volcano has been elevated to Orange – the third highest of four levels – because of increased activity at the site.
Monitoring systems, satellite imagery and visual observations have confirmed increased seismic and fumarolic activity, strong gas emissions, emergence of a satellite dome on the South-East of the existing volcanic dome and changes to the crater lake.
An effusive eruption within the crater, with visible gas and steam, was also observed on 29 December 2020.
Orange Level
An Orange Level alert means that there is highly elevated seismicity or fumarolic activity, or both, or other highly unusual symptoms.
Eruptions may occur with less than 24 hours notice. Monitoring systems are continuously manned and there is regular visual inspection or potential vent areas as well as continuous ground deformation and hydrothermal monitoring.
