Airports closed, houses collapse under the weight of La Soufriere ash

The effects of the La Soufriere volcano eruption is being felt way beyond the shores of St Vincent.

Regional airlines LIAT and Caribbean Airlines were forced to cancel flights and a thick plume of ash has blanketed St Vincent, parts of Saint Lucia and Barbados.

On Thursday the Argyle International Airport in St Vincent announced that it would remain closed, today, Friday. :La Soufriere: Rumblings heard, ash venting continued overnight

That message was reposted on social media today.

“Due to the significant ash fall resulting from explosive eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano, AIA will remain closed today.”

Prospective travellers have been asked to stay tuned as an update will be provided when a further assessment has been made.

Over in Barbados, the Grantley Adams International Airport has also been ordered closed.

Authorities say the airport will remain closed until at least Sunday at 6am.

Deputy CEO Terry Layne said only essential airport staff will be allowed access to the airport during this time.

Barbados is currently under a severe volcanic ash warning as a thick plume of volcanic ash is affecting the island.

The Barbados Meteorological Office has since reported that another thick ash plume is approaching and is expected to traverse the island for at least the next few hours.

The Severe Volcano Ash Warning remains in effect.

Earlier today visibility was severely compromised in some parts of Barbados.

Residents have reported that it’s been so dark street lights have come on.

In St Vincent, a few houses in the Sandy Bay area collapsed under the weight of the ash spewed from the La Soufriere volcano.

No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported.