THREE MONTHS after the explosive volcanic eruption of La Soufriere, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society (SVGRCS) continues to impact the lives of hundreds of Vincentians through relief aid and other humanitarian efforts.

The SVGRCS has been working alongside the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), since the April 9 eruption. More than ,500 affected families have received assistance including water, food parcels, essential household items, hygiene and cleaning kits, cleaning tools, financial aid, and other emergency relief items, a release from SVGRCS states.

Red Cross staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly over the last three months to reach as many affected persons as possible. Bernard Morgan, president of the National Red Cross Society, noted that in times of crises, strengthening community resilience is important. He further stated that as evacuees are slowly returning home, many volunteers will be immersing themselves in the communities to continue providing assistance.

The SVGRCS continues to educate, inform and assist persons concerning the health effects of the ash fall and how to cope after natural hazards. Morgan said this is an apt approach and mentioned the commencement of the hurricane season. He is also encouraging persons to secure their homes by ensuring that their roofs, doors and windows are in a state of good repair. He cautioned that the fight against COVID-19 and Dengue is not over and stressed the importance of wearing a mask when in contact with other people while practising social distancing and maintaining good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Morgan further explained that, with the rainy season in full effect, persons should be extra vigilant in ensuring that there is nothing around their homes and surroundings that can encourage the breeding of mosquitos, so as to prevent the spread of dengue fever.

Just on the heels of category 1 hurricane Elsa, which caused moderate impact on the housing stock in SVG during its passage on Friday July 2, the SVGRCS team, will be working diligently throughout the country to raise the awareness on hurricane preparedness and other hazards such as floods and landslides.

The SVGRCS is expressing much gratitude for the overwhelming support which was offered from the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), the Partner National Societies, countless Vincentian teams and individuals abroad.

Persons are encouraged to follow the SVGRCS’ Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages for frequent updates on disaster preparedness tips as well as updates on national matters and relief aid procedures.