Natural Disasters Monitoring - April 15, 2021

Official

Volcano
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

On 14 April 2021, according to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Center La Soufrière Volcano has changed its current pattern of explosions which appears to be episodic (stop-and-go) with longer periods between explosions and less energy, however, explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days. According to the daily live update for 15 April from Prime Minister Gonsalves, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache reported 5 positive cases of COVID-19 among evacuees of which 2 were staying at a relative’s house and the other 3 in shelters, exposing a total of 20 persons (2 shelters). Public Health measures are ongoing, however, some reluctance towards COVID-19 testing has been observed in some shelters. No other cases of COVID-19 have been reported in any of the shelters so far. As of 15 April, there are approximately 4,200 persons registered in shelters and over 6,000 persons registered as sheltering in private homes. Prime Minister Gonsalves exhorts those sheltering in private homes to register with NEMO in order to receive aid from the Ministry of Social Development. The vessel with water supply destined to Barrouallie was not able to dock due to shallow water levels, however, cleaning teams are currently working in the Hermitage water supply system hoping to re-launch water supply to Barrouallie, while in the Jennings Valley water supply system, cleaning continues. On 15 April, a response team from PAHO is expected to arrive with a consignment of masks in addition to the Stellantis U.K. donation of 16 thousand masks destined to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. According to NEMO Director Michelle Forbes, a new shelter in Bequia, Grenadines has opened currently housing 37 persons. Furthermore, an additional two emergency 24/7 phone lines have been opened to the public. Additionally, in coordination with NEMO, the 7th Day Adventist Mission will supply, prepare, package, and distribute a total of 1,200 daily meals starting on 18 April 2021 for a period of 4 weeks with a chance of renewal after the four weeks. The reports are available at:  VC3 Talk with NEMO Director, Live Update from Prime Minister Gonsalves, and UWI Seismic Research.

Peru (update)

On 14 April the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI as per its acronym in Spanish) of Peru reported heavy rains since the beginning of April 2021 have affected 114 houses and an undetermined number of hectares of crops in the District Municipality of Las Amazonas, province of Maynas, Loreto department. Additionally, according to national authorities, one person died in Nauta District (Loreto Province), while about 856 families have been affected. Damage has been reported to more than 800 houses, nine educational centers, four bridges, and several road sections in the department of Loreto. The reports are available in Spanish at: COEN Módulo de Prensa and ECHO Daily Flash.

Fire

Peru

On 15 April, the National Emergency Operations Center of Peru (COEN as its acronym in Spanish) reported a fire in the Lomas del Cono Norte residential complex, located in the District of Chimbote, province of Santa, Ancash department. According to the press release, a total of 53 homes were destroyed affecting the same number of families and no deaths were reported. Currently, according to the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI as per its acronym in Spanish) the Provincial Municipality of Santa installed tents to shelter the families that were affected. The report is available in Spanish at: COEN Módulo de Prensa