Large explosion at La Soufriere volcano

The National Emergency Management Organisation has confirmed that there was a large explosion at the La Soufriere Volcano at approximately 4:15 am. The explosion was seen on the Martinique radar.

La Soufriere’s dome has since collapsed and pyroclastic flows along the valleys on the eastern and western coast.

In a recent update, NEMO said that the volcano continues to erupt explosively and has now begun to generate pyroclastic density currents measuring 200°C to 700°C.

Attempts will be made to rescue anyone still in the Red Zone.

According to the 6:00 am bulletin issued UWI Seismic Research Centre, since midday on April 11, the time between episodes of high-amplitude tremor has lengthened from 1.5-4 hours to 5-8 hours.

The episodes continue to coincide with periods of enhanced venting or explosive activity. Small volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded starting at about 6:00 pm last night.

UWI also noted that the current explosions are being generated from a new vent.

Analysis of satellite imagery and comparison with previous images also indicate that the explosive eruptions thus far have destroyed the pre-existing domes (1979 and 2020-21).

Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are expected to continue to occur over the next few days.

The public is advise to visit the International Volcanic Hazard Health Network for volcanic ash information resources.