. Consul-general sends distress call to FG, world bodies
Hundreds of Nigerians have been trapped in the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines following a volcanic eruption in the country.
Nigeria’s Consul-General on the Island, Dr Levi Odoe, who raised the alarm, has sent a Save-our-Soul message to the Nigerian government and other public-spirited organisations around the world for support.
“There are lot of Nigerians in the Island, and this causes health challenges. Families are being moved to other countries. We will appreciate assistance from well wishers and friends,” Odoe said in a message.
It was gathered that no fewer than 230 Nigerians are currently studying medicine on the Island in addition to a large number of tourists from the country who have been caught up in disaster.
However, thousands of residents have been evacuated to safer places on the Island and neighbouring Island nations.
They were conveyed in buses and cruise ships.
The volcanic eruption began on April 9 with black ash and smoke plumes covering the air at about 6-kilometer range.
Distressed residents shared videos of the volcanic eruptions.
Twitter user, Rahym R. Augustin-Joseph tweeted under the handle, @RahymRJoseph: “Let’s remember to keep the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in our prayers during what is a very tough time.”
Also, Marcia Forbes with the Twitter handle @marciaforbes, said “Prayers for our Caribbean brothers and sisters in #StVincent & Grenadines where #Soufriere Hills #volcano is rumbling & spewing.”
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has an active volcano at La Soufrière elevation, which peaks at 1,234 metre.
This is the fourth volcanic eruption on the Island since 1979, which damaged properties worth $100m.
The first recorded eruption occurred in 1718. The 1902 eruption led to the death of over 1000 persons.