Help Afya Deliver Aid To St. Vincent Volcano Victims

Press release from The Afya Foundation of America:

April 19, 2021

Following multiple eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano on the island of St. Vincent, Afya is mobilizing to send medical and humanitarian supplies to healthcare providers and shelters in the Caribbean.

The volcano began erupting on Friday, launching a plume of gray smoke and ash 20,000 feet in the air according to the AP. Another larger eruption on Monday morning sent pyroclastic flows down the mountain, razing the old dome and creating a new crater. Ongoing volcanic activity is expected throughout the week.

Over 16,000 islanders have been evacuated from their homes and displaced to makeshift shelters throughout St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and neighboring islands. According to the BBC, many have lost power and are without running water. Doctors are seeing the impact of significant respiratory distress due to ash and gas inhalation. Additionally, there has been an uptick in Covid-19 cases since the initial eruption and there is fear of a further spike due to sheltering in close quarters.

Afya is partnering with The Clinton Global Initiative and the Consulate General of St. Vincent & The Grenadines to deliver supplies to St. Vincent and neighboring islands to help support the needs of these displaced islanders and local providers of care. Afya is also supporting our long term partner Medical Professionals on a Mission. The supplies sent will help house, comfort, and treat the thousands of people who will remain in shelters indefinitely.

Donate today to ensure the people of St. Vincent receive the vital aid that they need.

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This press release was produced by The Afya Foundation of America. The views expressed here are the author's own.