Volcanic ash has continued to fall and there are warnings about more danger ahead.
The pyroclastic flows “contain a high-density mixture of hot lava blocks, pumice stone, ash and volcanic gases. They move at very high speeds on volcanic slopes, usually following valleys,” according to the USGS, and “destroy almost everything in them.” in their path “.
“Based on visual observations and satellite images, the intervals are associated with periods of explosive activity or improved ventilation,” he said.
“Thunder and lightning were experienced during these periods.”
Ash continued to fall over the island overnight and also affected neighboring islands, the Grenadines, Barbados and Saint Lucia. “The explosions and the accompanying ash fall, of a similar magnitude or greater, will continue to take place over the next few days.”
On Thursday, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves declared a disaster alert caused by a change in the eruptive activity of the volcano. He issued an evacuation order for all residents living in what is considered a “red zone”. Gonsalves said it could take four months for life to return to normal on the island.
Authorities said the explosive eruptions could continue “for days and possibly weeks” after Friday’s first eruption emitted an ash dust that spread across the sky to 6,096 meters.
La Soufrière is located on the largest island in the chain of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
CNN’s Patrick Oppmann reported from Havana and Claudia Dominguez from Atlanta. CNN’s Susannah Cullinane, Theresa Waldrup and Radina Gigova also contributed to the report.