Red Cross Launch Appeal For St Vincent
[Updated] The Bermuda Red Cross is launching a disaster appeal to help people affected by the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent.
This weekend, the St. Vincent emergency management organisation tweeted, “Massive power outage following another explosive event at La Soufriere Volcano. Lightning, thunder and rumblings. Majority of the country out of power and covered in ash.”
“Day number 3 and everything looks like a battle zone. Dreary morning with the ash beginning to harden on the ground due to overnight showers. Many homes still without water and electricity,” they said today, also adding “pyroclastic flows at La Soufriere possible destruction and devastation of communities close to volcano. ”
Image courtesy of the UWI Seismic Research centre:
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda Red Cross is launching a disaster appeal for those affected by the La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent. Help people in crisis today. Families urgently need your help. Act now and you will help save lives.
“The La Soufrière volcano first erupted on Friday, blanketing the island in a layer of ash and forcing some 16,000 people to evacuate their homes. Residents in Barbados, nearly 200km [about 124 miles] to the east, have also been urged to stay indoors.
“Scientists warn that eruptions could continue for days – or even weeks. There has been a massive power outage following another explosive event at La Soufriere Volcano with the majority of the country out of power and covered in ash.
“Homes across the island, which has a population of around 110,000, have been covered in white-coloured volcanic dust and rock fragments. Thousands of people have been forced out of their homes and the water supply to most of the island has been cut off. About 3,000 people spent Friday night in emergency shelters.
Image courtesy of the UWI Seismic Research centre:
“Your donation today will make a difference. The Red Cross are on the ground providing vital aid and search and rescue support.
“Bermuda Red Cross is accepting financial donations only to assist the International Red Cross appeal to perform its tasks in assisting the many communities affected.
“Donations can be made by direct deposit into the following account: Bank of N.T. Butterfield 20 006 060 663859 200
“Or go online to our website www.bermudaredcross.com to use your debit/credit card, or call us at 236-8253 Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm with your card details or mail or stop in at our offices: Bermuda Red Cross, La Soufriere Volcano Appeal, Charleswood, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget DV 03.”
Update April 13, 9.00am: A spokesperson said, “Due to the Shelter in Place order, people will not be able to call or visit our office to make donations.
“During Shelter in Place, persons wishing to make a donation to the volcano appeal can call 232-1945 with their credit card details.”
Sorry St Vincent…..my donation will now be used to cover expenses brought on by this govts decision to shut things down for 7 days.