LA SOUFRIERE BULLETIN, DECEMBER 30, 2020 6.00 PM

An Aerial reconnaissance conducted today Wednesday, December 30 indicates that there are no significant changes at the La Soufriere Volcano since Tuesday, December 29^th, 2020. Magma continues to ooze to the surface and the dome has increased in size.

The Executive Committee of the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), which comprises Technical Officers from the various

Government Departments, Private Sector and Non- Governmental Organizations met today at NEMO’s Conference Room to activate plans, in the event that the level of seismicity increases and evacuation becomes necessary.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has activated the Regional Coordination Plan as per the protocol which corresponds to the Orange Volcano Hazard Alert Level.

In keeping with the usual preparatory arrangements for potential hazard impact responses, the CDEMA Coordinating Unit has placed the following Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) Teams on ALERT:

• CARICOM Disaster Assessment and Coordination (CDAC)

• CARICOM Operational Support Team (COST)

• Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT)

• Caribbean Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU)

A group of Scientists from the Seismic Research Centre, University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus led by Vincentian Professor Richard Robertson will arrive in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday 31^st December, 2020 on board the Regional Security System (RSS) Aircraft.  The Scientists will install instruments to strengthen the monitoring mechanism System, so that more accurate and timelier scientific advisory on the activities at the La Soufriere Volcano can be provided.

Alert level remains at Orange. Persons living in areas close to the volcano which include communities from Fancy to Georgetown and Belle Isle to Richmond are asked to remain alert and listen to all advisories from the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).

The National Emergency Management Organisation is once again reminding the public that no evacuation order or notice has been given.

NEMO is also appealing to the public to desist from visiting the La Soufriere Volcano until the scientists advise that it is safe to do so.