Disaster Relief – SVG Desperate for More Help

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Written by Jerry Jensen

Last Updated: 22 May 2021

 

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During April, St.Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been devastated by volcanic eruptions. 20,000 Island residents are displaced. All are experiencing food and water shortages.

Bishop Gerard County of the Kingstown Diocese in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has set up a Disaster Fund. Since the fee to wire money is $75 (regardless of the amount sent), we will collect donations and send them in one lump sum. Go here to donate.

A note from Jerry:

I have volunteered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) since 2017, training teachers, counselors, and community members to help children who have experienced trauma. Cedarbrook and our partners had just begun training mentors for children and had plans for Stephen Minister Leadership training.

Then COVID-19 brought everything to a halt.

Now, continued eruptions from the La Soufrière Volcano bring a need for immediate disaster relief and trauma counseling for months and years to come.

• All children from St. Benedict's Home (which merged with Bread of LIfe) in Georgetown have been evacuated. It is in the red zone. It is unclear when (if ever) they will return and the extent of the damage to the property.
  
• As a side note, Guadalupe Home for Girls burned in March 2020.

The church in Sandy Bay is completely destroyed by ashfall. Just one example of the $350 million destruction since April 9th.

• 20,000 people have been displaced (the total population is 110,000), all are facing serious food and water challenges,
  
• Experts suggest that it may be two years before many can return to what remains of their homes.
• Approximately 30 villages have been evacuated. 
• Between 16,000 and 20,000 people have been affected. 
• Some 3,500 people are in 85 shelters. 
• School buildings operate as shelters and are beyond capacity, 
• There have been 32 explosive eruptions as of April 23rd. Experts suggest that the volcanic activity could go on for months up to a year.
  
• The ash kills vegetation (food) and contaminates rivers, which are the primary sources of water.
• Water is rationed and running out.
  
• Ash has fallen on the island of Barbados (119 miles away) and is traveling farther –  even to Africa.
• Many areas are experiencing no electricity and will for months to come.
  

“We are facing a catastrophe in agriculture, fishing, road infrastructure and other areas. We have problems that affect food security and sovereignty; the affordability, accessibility and availability of food is at risk”

~ Saboto Caesar, SVG Minister of Agriculture

The country is mapped into zones – red (most dangerous area – and mostly destroyed now), orange, and green zones. 

Fr. Collin Jackson reports: "[the country is] almost unrecognizable. Near the volcano, in the red zone, the land has been scorched by pyroclastic (volcanic) flow, destroying everything in its path. In the relatively safer orange and green zones, St Vincent is masked by thick layers of ash, ruining vegetation, and leaving even its capital, 20 kilometers (13 miles) south of the volcano, looking like a town in an old Western movie."

• Eruption Of St Vincent’s La Soufriere Volcano Has Devastated The Island’s Livestock.
• In The Red Zone, Animal carcasses are everywhere.
• Hundreds of animals are on the brink of collapse.
• "...essentially...agriculture has been wiped out on the island,” Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said.

The true economic toll of La Soufriere remains unclear, but Gonsalves estimates the volcano caused $150 million in infrastructure damage and $150 million in agriculture and housing losses. In addition, it will require $20 million to $30 million to clean up the islands and about $15 million per month to feed and house evacuees.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provides an immediate $100,000 in disaster relief for people affected by violent eruptions of La Soufrière Volcano on the island of Saint Vincent.

The United Nations has launched a $29.2 million global funding appeal to help those affected by the eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other impacted countries during what has been described as the country’s “midnight hour of need.”

Now covered in deadly ash, this site used to be lush green and the water crystal blue.

Can you help? The immediate need is to provide critical items such as food and water. Plus non-perishables including canned goods and juice, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, soap, deodorant, shampoos, sleeping mats, blankets, feminine hygiene products, masks, baby diapers, hand sanitizers, manual can openers, buckets, masks, mosquito repellent, first-aid kits, and antibiotic ointments.

 

Better Days, with interspersed video of the disaster, speaks to the spirit of the people to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Bishop Gerard County of the Kingstown Diocese in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has set up a Disaster Fund. Since the fee to wire money is $75 (regardless of the amount sent), we will collect donations and send them in one lump sum. Go here to donate.