Emergency shelters fleeing La Soufrière: a case study from the April 2021 volcanic eruption in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Abstract

Abstract La Soufrière, St Vincent is the northernmost stratovolcano on mainland St Vincent. Over 25 000 residents were issued orders to evacuate their homes in the high-risk zones close to the La Soufrière Volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines because of the imminent explosive volcanic eruption. The aim of this paper is to explore the experiences of residents who evacuated and sought shelter as a result of the 2021 eruption of La Soufrière Volcano. The researchers conducted surveys of affected residents of the red and orange zones (evacuees and non-evacuees) as well as shelter volunteers. The results indicate that residents are willing to evacuate if they are provided with information to guide their decision-making and if they feel that they have a suitable place to stay and that they are likely to receive support, especially food supplies. Despite their willingness to evacuate, people are generally concerned about the safety and security of their house, crops and livestock. In relation to future eruptions, people would be more prepared if they received more information, were evacuated earlier and took more supplies with them when they were evacuated.