“It disrupted our livelihoods. We were displaced. We were moved. Our homes were damaged. So, help is needed…help so that everyone can get back to a sense of normalcy, because right now it is not normal.”
– Hazel Ann Lavia, Sandy Bay resident and cash-for-work team supervisor.
Recovery efforts are under way in Sandy Bay, St. Vincent and the Grenadines in response to the La Soufrière eruption thanks to funding from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and the tireless work of our local team and partners. Cash-for-work teams comprised of Sandy Bay residents are rapidly clearing volcanic ash and debris, allowing people to return to their homes and rebuild their community while also providing income to affected people.
The La Soufrière volcano erupted explosively on April 9, 2021, blanketing northern St. Vincent in ash, displacing over 20,000 people, and damaging hundreds of homes. Heavy rains following the eruption caused lahars – violent volcanic mudslides – further damaging and destroying homes in vulnerable areas. Only in the last month has northern St. Vincent been deemed safe enough for residents to return home from emergency shelters and begin recovery efforts.
One month after launching the Sandy Bay Community Recovery Project, GER3’s cash-for-work teams have cleared ash and debris from 20 houses and provided income that will benefit not only the workers but also the broader community. As Phase I ash and debris removal work continues, we are also starting Phase II of home rehabilitation for Sandy Bay’s most vulnerable residents. We look forward to continuing our work to help St. Vincent build back better!