The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is implementing a major enhancement of its volcanic surveillance capabilities for La Soufrière, the island’s most active volcano. This comprehensive strategy involves the creation of new technical positions, the installation of eight additional monitoring stations across the mountain, and significant technological upgrades to existing infrastructure. The initiative follows the volcano’s devastating explosive eruption in April 2021, an event that commenced with increased activity in December 2020. That eruption blanketed the island in ash, necessitated the evacuation of more than 20,000 residents, and caused extensive disruption over a four-month period of heightened activity, which culminated in its last major explosive event around April 22, 2021.
The cornerstone of this effort is the recently renovated and retrofitted Volcano Observatory, a project financed by a concessional loan from the World Bank totaling EC$4.6 million (approximately US$1.7 million). During the facility’s handover ceremony, Disaster Management Minister St. Clair Leacock outlined the government’s commitment. Key roles, including a geoscientist and a seismic technician, are slated to be filled this year. The revitalized observatory is designed to facilitate advanced volcanic research, support community-based early warning systems, and host international academic studies. Furthermore, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has been allocated an additional EC$1 million grant specifically for the procurement of seismic stations and state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.
Minister Leacock highlighted the technical sophistication of the new systems and issued a public appeal against vandalism or theft of the critical equipment. He emphasized that the devices are essential for national safety, stating, ‘My Government will continue to ensure that the La Soufriere Monitoring Unit of NEMO continues to receive the support to ensure that La Soufriere volcano is constantly monitored.’ He also acknowledged and praised the foundational work in disaster preparedness and monitoring established by the previous administration, framing the new upgrades as a continuation of that vital legacy.