UN releases US$1M in emergency aid for St. Vincent

The United Nations announced on Monday that US$1 million in funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund was released to St. Vincent to assist the emergency response as the country battles the aftermath of the La Soufrière volcano.

The Secretary General, António Guterres, expressed his solidarity with the inhabitants and Government of St. Vincent, noting that the UN stands ready to provide additional help when needed.

“This crisis comes at the most difficult time, as the world is grappling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ahead of the hurricane season,” Guterres said.

The Secretary-General also commended the local response efforts underway and reiterated the full support of the United Nations as relief efforts continue.

The La Soufriere volcano remains active; it began to explosively erupt on April 9, and there have been periodic eruptions, covering the island with ash, and volcanic flows of molten rock and gas have gushed down the mountainside.

St. Vincent and other Caribbean nations are still coping with the effects of ash.