In view of the pyroclastic flows heading towards the east from the La Soufriere Volcano, both Professor Richard Robertson and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves are pleading with persons in the red zone to get down now before the window of escape narrows any further.
Gonsalves, speaking during the La Soufriere morning update revealed 127 people were rescued over the past five days in Owia, a Red Zone, despite an evacuation order being given last week.
The prime minister said: “Given the pyroclastic flows, for heaven’s sake if you are over in Fancy or in Point or Owia or Sandy Bay, you could get to Owia and we get to know. We have a narrow window, please I am asking you do not risk anymore your life and limb.
We have done well in having no deaths, no injuries. We love you very much and want to help take care of you.”
Gonsalves noted yesterday was the fifth successive day the courageous men and women of the coast guard went into Owia and took out 127 persons (18, 72, 13, 12). Among the dozen rescued yesterday was a 19-year-old mentally challenged man who the prime minister said was influenced to stay in the Red Zone but has since been rescued.
Meanwhile, lead scientist Professor Richard Roberston said La Soufriere is slowly reoccupying the terrain and making itself bigger.
The professor believes more than enough time has been given for people to get of the danger zones. He said it would be unfortunate if people are still there after all this.
“If you get caught in a pyroclastic flow it is not a nice thing. I don’t want to scare anybody from what I studied it’s not a nice way to go. You should get out if you are there.”
He also warned that if the pattern changes the window will go for the coast guard which has been risking their lives to rescue persons who have refused to leave or are either stranded.