NEMO organises month of activities to mark fifth anniversary of volcanic eruptions

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre, will host a series of activities to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the 2021 explosive eruptions of La Soufrière volcano. These activities will run from today, April 10 to April 30, 2026 under the theme; ‘Legacy of La Soufrière: Our Home, Our Hazard, Our Heritage’.

Volcano Awareness Month 2026 aims to strengthen public understanding of volcanic hazards while preserving the social and cultural narratives shaped by cultivating a multidisciplinary approach integrating science, education, culture and public engagement, a NEMO release states.

A centrepiece of the month is a collaboration with the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (SRC) and the School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol on the research project “Ex-X: “Expecting the Unexpected”. The 42-month research project which investigates what drives dangerous escalations in volcanic activity, will be launched at 9:30 a.m today, Friday, April 10 at the UWI Global Campus. Throughout the month scientists will embark on surveys, compare experiences and data, and interface with the public.

The Heritage of La Soufrière will be observed on April 29 and 30, 2026 at “Culture2day”, a cultural event that will allow participants to reflect on the 2020–2021 eruption through creative arts. Day 1 will feature an interactive exhibition with artwork, photography, sculpture and digital art, while Day 2 presents a cultural evening of performances drama, poetry, storytelling, music and dance. Rounding out the full slate of activities will be school visits, a Geology field trip and an Exhibition and Career Open Day at the newly refurbished Belmont Volcano Observatory.

Volcano Awareness Month is observed every April and forms part of the geological hazard public education and awareness activities within the National Programme of NEMO.

In its release, NEMO points out that “most major historic effusive and explosive eruptions of La Soufrière Volcano have occurred in the months of April and May, making the month an apt period to remember, educate and gather knowledge around and about our Volcano”.