By Anvi Atreja
On April 9, 2021, a volcano called La Soufrière erupted on Saint Vincent, one of the eastern islands of the Caribbean. La Soufrière began showing signs of volcanic activity in December. It had been inactive for decades, last erupting in 1979.
Thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes. The massive explosion sent hot ash 32,000 feet into the sky. For days, the volcano continued to erupt.
Government-run shelters and empty cruise ships have taken in some evacuees. Others have fled to nearby islands to get out of harm’s way.
More than 30 islands make up the country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Its prime minister, Ralph Gonsalves, says people should stay calm and continue to protect themselves against the coronavirus.