Continued from previous page The collaborative effort that existed for years (noting that the Head of the Centre, Dr. Richard Robertson is a Vincentian). The development of manuals, jingles, community sensitisation throughout the State, be it in the Red, Yellow, Orange and Green Zones were notable activities of NEMO and other agencies. Community Groups were established throughout the State with special emphasis on the Red Zone. Simulation exercises of a volcanic eruption were conducted in 2019 as part of the Trade Winds Exercise that was hosted by St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves has been exceptional. The level of public education and preparedness cannot be overstated especially the decision by the Emergency Council to commence the evacuation process by the scientists, for the residents of the Red, Orange and Yellow Zones to evacuate the night before the eruption. The Government machinery was in readiness for the mass movement of evacuees and functioned smoothly. Various modes of transportation, including by sea, were used to relocate over 8,000 residents to the safe zones. The accurate and timely call by the scientists for the Government to evacuate, along with the existence of critical infrastructure including the newly completed wharf at Chateaubelair and the Fishers Complex in Owia, resulted in the saving of lives. It must be noted that despite the danger posed by the eruption of La Soufriere, no life was lost. The mushrooming of clouds of ash signalled ongoing activity at the La Soufriere. A spectacular sight. Although these explosive events were picturesque, a degree of fear and uncertainty existed especially at nightfall when electricity had to be turned off for safety reasons. Due to the advancement in technology and the number of monitoring stations that existed, the public was constantly updated about events surrounding increased activities at La Soufriere. The introduction of the programme Damage to a building in the Red Zone. “Eying La Soufriere” by Radio 705 with the Honourable Prime Minister and Lead Scientist as daily contributors was a major positive step. It was a daily event lasting for two hours in the morning. This programme provided valuable Geography lessons. Continues on next page 6
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