Parts of Grenada are being affected by volcanic ash from the Cumbre Vieja volcano in the Canary Islands, 5,000 miles away in Europe. It began erupting on 19 September.
The Meteorological Office at the Maurice Bishop International Airport confirmed that the hazy conditions that the island has been experiencing for the past few days are due to a combination of Saharan dust and volcanic ash.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) encouraged motorists and marine users to be cautious because of reduced visibility.
The Ministry of Health advised people with respiratory challenges such as asthma and other allergies “to wear a mask, avoid outdoor contact, if possible, ensure you have an adequate supply of medication and to be in contact with your medical physician, in the event such intervention is needed”.
Scientists said that initially, the plumes of sulphur dioxide from the volcano travelled east from the Canary Islands to northern Africa and southern Europe. However, because of a change in wind direction in early October, the plume is now flowing across the Atlantic and over the Caribbean.
Grenada was also affected by ash plumes from the La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines when it erupted in December 2020.
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