Disasters in St Vincent and Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines consists of 32 islands. Saint Vincent contains about 90% of the country's land area and population, while the Grenadines have distinct coastal, drought and supply risks. The most relevant hazards are hurricanes and tropical storms, intense rainfall, flash and river flooding, landslides and mudflows, coastal flooding, storm surge, high waves, sea-level rise and drought. Geological hazards include the La Soufrière volcano, regional earthquakes and tsunamis. The rainy and hurricane season generally runs from June to November, while the drier season runs from December to May. Water, communications, transport, electricity, housing, roads, schools and hospitals can be disrupted by several hazards at once. Low coastal areas contain a high concentration of people, infrastructure and economic activity, and the Grenadines depend heavily on rainwater collection for drinking water. La Soufrière is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' only active or potentially active volcano. Recorded eruptions occurred in 1812, 1902–1903, 1979 and 2020–2021. The UWI Seismic Research Centre monitors seismic activity, ground movement, gases and hot springs. Its alert scale uses Green, Yellow, Orange and Red. On 13 September 2026, the recorded alert level was Green. The Research Centre is the scientific information channel, while NEMO is the national channel for public warnings, coordination and evacuation information. A Red Zone evacuation decision depends on the scientific situation and the authorities' instructions. People should avoid visiting the volcano when activity increases. The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services monitors weather and publishes advisories through meteo.gov.vc, its svgweather Facebook channel, the Common Alerting Protocol, local radio and television. NEMO distributes hazard, evacuation and shelter information. NEMO guidance describes a Hurricane Watch as the possibility of hurricane conditions within 48 hours and a Hurricane Warning as expected hurricane conditions within 36 hours. The National Emergency Act schedule also distinguishes a Storm Warning for storm conditions below hurricane force expected within 24 hours and a Hurricane Warning for hurricane conditions expected within 24 hours. The exact warning period depends on the event and its movement. The Meteorological Services telephone number is (784) 458-4477. NEMO can be reached at (784) 456-2975 or its hotline at 526-3000. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not have a fully developed Caribbean-wide tsunami warning system according to the NEMO information used for this post. An interim arrangement involves the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and people should follow information from the Center and the UWI Seismic Research Centre. A strong or prolonged local earthquake, sudden sea withdrawal or an unusually loud roar can signal a tsunami. Anyone who notices such signs should immediately leave the coast for higher ground or inland areas and should not wait for an official order. NEMO preparedness guidance uses at least roughly 30 metres of elevation or about 3 kilometres inland as a planning reference where feasible. Tsunami evacuation planning and Ready-related pilot work have been documented for St. George and Union Island; current paths and meeting points should be checked with NEMO. A household or company should record its nearest suitable emergency shelter, a safe meeting place and more than one way to reach safety. An emergency kit should contain drinking water, durable food, required medicines, a flashlight and batteries, a battery radio, first-aid supplies and copies of essential documents. Plans should account for children, older or otherwise vulnerable people, animals and dependence on inter-island or sea transport. The 2026 NEMO shelter list includes schools, churches and community centres on Saint Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island. Shelter capacity and suitability can change, so NEMO should confirm the appropriate facility. When a hurricane warning is issued, people should secure the house, boats and fishing equipment, stay away from windows and glass, and switch off electrical equipment where appropriate. Flooded roads should not be driven through, and rivers and exposed shorelines should be avoided during dangerous conditions. A Hurricane Watch calls for completing household preparations and checking protective arrangements. A Hurricane Warning calls for completing those actions and following any local evacuation order. Volcano evacuations can proceed in steps according to scientific information and official decisions. Tsunami natural warning signs require immediate self-evacuation. There is no single nationwide evacuation threshold for every hazard; the danger type, exposed zone and official instructions determine the response. During a La Soufrière evacuation, people staying privately with relatives or other hosts should register with NEMO or a nearby shelter so authorities can track needs and coordinate supplies. The National Emergency Act provides for the Director and NEMO, the National Disaster Management Plan, the National Emergency Council, the National Emergency Operations Centre, shelter lists and Shelter Officers. The plan covers prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, information, resource and supply mobilization, communication, shelters and evacuation. The National Emergency Operations Centre serves as the main headquarters during a disaster alert or disaster. The Director is expected to review plans annually for Cabinet. Local first response involves the Fire Service, Police and search-and-rescue services, supported by families, neighbours, faith-based groups and community organisations. NEMO coordinates the wider response. The Fire Service number is (784) 456-1111 extension 4813, Police Headquarters is (784) 456-1611 extensions 4801, 4802 and 4803, and the Coast Guard is (784) 457-4578. Post-disaster assistance can include medical care, food, bulk distribution, clothing, temporary shelter, initial cleaning and restoration of utilities, depending on the event and available supplies. NEMO can receive incident and shelter requests. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency can provide regional response and relief support. NEMO does not provide a fixed universal financial compensation or house-rebuilding-material entitlement. A damage form or report to NEMO can lead to an assessment and referral to the Department of Housing. Blocked roads should be reported through NEMO for referral to BRAGSA; NEMO does not clear roads itself. Dangerous trees belong with Forestry rather than NEMO. Useful service contacts include BRAGSA at (784) 457-2956, the Central Water and Sewerage Authority at (784) 456-2946, VINLEC at (784) 456-1701 and the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross at (784) 456-1888. Recovery first focuses on utilities, roads, critical infrastructure and essential supplies. Longer-term work can involve repair, rebuilding, relocation and the transition from temporary to permanent housing. The National Disaster Management Plan sets planning targets for a preliminary damage and needs assessment within at least 12 hours after event-related activities, an interim assessment within 72 hours and a detailed assessment after about one week. These are plan-based targets, not guaranteed processing deadlines. Airports, ports and the Coast Guard affect access between islands, while ash, floods, landslides, storms and damaged communications can isolate communities. The National Emergency Management Organisation records damage and coordinates assistance, but the responsible utility, road, housing, forestry or emergency service remains responsible for its own function.