The United Nations announced on Monday that US $ 1 million in funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund has been released to St Vincent to aid the emergency response as the country struggles following the outcome of the La Soufrière volcano.
The Secretary General, António Guterres, expressed his solidarity with the residents and Government of St Vincent, noting that the United Nations is prepared to provide additional assistance when needed.
“This crisis comes at the most difficult time, as the world is dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and before the hurricane season,” said Guterres.
The Secretary-General also commended the local response efforts underway and reiterated the full support of the United Nations as relief efforts continued.
La Soufriere volcano remains active; an explosive eruption began on April 9, and there have been periodic eruptions, covering the island with ash, and volcanic flows of molten rock and gas have flooded down the mountainside.
St Vincent and other Caribbean nations are still coping with the effects of ashes.