Based on the advice from The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre, the Government Administration of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has reduced the volcano alert status at La Soufrière to the dangerous ORANGE level. (UWI-SRC).
When the warning level is ORANGE, the volcanoes may re-ignite its eruptions with as little as twenty-four hours in warning time.
As per a press statement from The University of the West Indies, UWI-SRC/MVO Volcanic eruption-seismologist and prevailing Research Team Lead, Roderick Stewart, presented the suggestion to the cabinet on Tuesday, May 4th, while providing an update on the volcano’s recent behavior.
Mr. Stewart stated that the proposal was reached because there have been hardly any eruptions at the volcanic site since April 22nd, and the number of reported volcanic earthquakes has also fallen dramatically.
Lahars (mudflows) remain to increase the risk to the river basins around the volcano, particularly Wallibou and Rabacca, according to University of the west indies. Mudflows seen in recent days have featured stones up to 5m (15 ft) in diameter.
The University of the west indies researchers also discovered steam flows, that they claimed were caused by interaction with subsequent inclusion of hot volcanic materials. Lahars may inflict destruction of property as well as significant injuries to anyone in their passage.
Entrance to the RED-level volcanic danger zone, according to University of the west indies Seismic department, should be confined to government-approved critical work only, since circumstances remain dangerous and the possibility for harm stays strong.
The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) and The University of the West Indies Seismic Center, according to a statement from The UWI, remain the definitive sources of knowledge on the explosion of La Soufrière volcano in Saint Vincent. Follow The UWI-SRC’s page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/uwiseismic for information on activity at La Soufriere Volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
