Earthquakes being recorded at La Soufriere; residents advised to prepare to evacuate, but no order given

A new swarm of Volcano-Tectonic (VT) earthquakes began at La Soufrière Volcano early this morning, and while residents of surrounding communities are encouraged to be prepared to evacuate at short notice, no such order has been given.

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in a bulletin issued at 11:17 am on Monday, April 5 said the new swarm of VT earthquakes began at 6:38 am.

“The numbers and  magnitudes of these earthquakes increased until about 8:30 am,  after which they continued at a fairly steady rate.

“This swarm of Volcano-Tectonic earthquakes have been located  at a depth around 6 km below the summit of La Soufrière. This is  slightly deeper than the Volcano-Tectonic earthquake activities recorded between the 22nd and 25th of March, 2021, which were located at depths from 3 to 5 km below the summit.

“The largest Volcano-Tectonic earthquake occurred at 9:20 am with a magnitude of 3.5 and was felt by residents living close to  the volcano. Other VT earthquakes may have also been felt,” the bulletin from NEMO said.

“The alert level remains at Orange. The National Emergency  Management Organisation is reminding the public that no  evacuation order or notice has been issued.

“The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) is  also encouraging residents especially persons living in  communities close to the volcano to be prepared in the event that  it becomes necessary to evacuate at short notice.”