The Environment and Disaster Management team extends sympathies to the Vincentian people for the destruction and suffering caused by the La Soufriere volcanic eruption.
We offer here a brief environmental summary of key issues to support a robust, resilient recovery and reconstruction process.
Key Points
— Sustainable management of volcanic ash and flood-carried rock, sand, and sediment, as well as sand mining, require attention in near to medium response planning to address potential impacts linked to human well-being and livelihoods.
— Sustainable livelihoods, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, and support for other basic needs will be required for displaced populations for the foreseeable future.
— A phased, conditions-limited return process should incorporate Nature-based Adaptation, Nature-based Disaster Risk Reduction, local labor and livelihoods, and strong local engagement, including gender considerations.
— Planning for hurricane and seasonal weather, incorporating changes to the Saint Vincent environment due to the volcanic eruptions, should be completed in the next few weeks.
— The environmental impacts of eruptions and relief aid should be included in a formal damage and needs assessment and recovery and reconstruction planning.
Download the Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Report: La Soufriere Volcanic Eruption in Saint Vincent here.