LA GRANDE SOUFRIER Evolcano An active which is

LA GRANDE SOUFRIER Evolcano An active which is the highest peak on St Vincent started erupting on Friday 9 th April and has continued erupting daily

La Grande Soufriere is in the north of the island is only approximately 6. 5 miles away from Veronica’s farm. This is in Byera Hill

Veronica’s farm is 6. 4 miles ‘as the crow flies’ from the volcano!

April 9 th 2021 Seismologist have been monitoring the volcano since Dec 2020 and on Thursday 8 th April St Vincent was put on Red Alert when 16, 000 people were evacuated. Some people refused and were then rescued by coastguards.

La Grande Soufriere volcano began erupting on Friday 9 th April. This was the first major eruption for 40 years. Up to 20, 000 people have now been evacuated as plumes of ash rose 6 miles high blanketing surrounding communities and creating heavy ashfall.

April 9 th 2021

April 12 th 2021 Early in the morning on Monday April 12 th there was another huge explosion which was said to be the biggest and most destructive yet with masses of ash, lava and gases moving at 120 miles per hour destroying everything in it’s path.

April 12 th 2021 The magnitude of this eruption has been compared with the eruption in 1902 when 1, 000 people were killed.

The surrounding Communities – homes, cars and acres of land are covered in layers of ash.

Forest, farms, homes and livestock have been destroyed. Water and food supplies have been cut off in some areas, forcing the government to drill for water and set up distribution points.

The beautiful tropical beaches that once looked like this are now completely covered in as and look like ….

THIS!!

On April 29 th the island suffered heavy rain causing flooding and mudslides that damaged some homes and further battered areas already burdened by heavy ashfall. No reports of death or injuries

So, what has happened to Veronica, her family and her farm?

Many of you will remember this slide of Veronica’s wellmanaged farm

It now looks like this with her entire crop ruined along with all her other crops.

I asked her what she is doing for food and water and she said, “ We have a tank of water and there is food in the kitchen for some days!”

Veronica and her family will have to re-plant all their banana plants which they will have to buy from the agriculture store on the island regrow all their other crops too once the eruptions have ceased and the clear up operation is completed

We at DDE are launching an appeal to assist Veronica and her co-operative of Fairtrade banana growers on St Vincent. There are 25 farming families who have been greatly affected by the volcanic eruption. We aim to raise £ 250 per family to help them buy food, water and other basic essentials for the next month. Please send donations by cheque and make payable to Devon Development Education (St Vincent Appeal) and please send to DDE, Exeter Community Centre, 17, St David’s Hill, Exeter. EX 4 3 RG Or email dde@globalcentredevon. org. uk for BACS details Many thanks Sue Errington, Alison Derrick and Wendy Milne Charity Registration Number: 1102233

Update on DDE Appeal for St Vincent Fairtrade Farmers To date we have sent £ 2000 to help the 25 Fairtrade farming families in Veronica’s co-operative. Veronica has sent her heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sent a donation. The alert level has changed from red to orange since May 7 th as there have no explosions since 22/04/21. However, the volcano continues to be in a state of unrest. Explosions with accompanying ash fall, of similar or larger magnitude to those that have already occurred during the eruption, can take place with little or no warning. Mud flows could continue to occur if heavy rains continue. Residents on the leeward side of the island can return home.