The new lava dome on St Vincent’s La Soufrière volcano has more doubled in size, as the scientific excursion team continues to monitor the effusive eruption.

In a Thursday (January 7) update, the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Seismic Research Centre (SRC) confirmed one successful summit reconnaissance a day prior, which was facilitated by the governments of St Vincent and France. A second attempt has to be abandoned due to inclement weather.

The SRC team noted the alert level for La Soufrière remains at orange as dangerous conditions persist at the rim of the crater.

“The volcano continues to exude magma on the surface, steam can still be [seen] from the Belmont Observatory and the new dome also continues to increase in size. Persons living close to the volcano should expect strong sulphur smells for days to weeks, depending on changes in wind direction,” the UWI-SRC noted.

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) stressed that no public evacuation order has been issued by the Vincentian government, while warning against unauthorised visits to the La Soufrière.

NEMO further noted that it will meet with residents of Georgetown and surrounding areas this Saturday to update St Vincent citizens on the latest developments involving the volcano and to review the community volcano emergency plan.

It follows similar meetings with residents of Fancy, Sandy Bay, Owia—all communities with the designated red hazard area—on Monday and Thursday respectively.

See related stories below:

• CODE ORANGE: St Vincent on alert as volcanic activity increases on La Soufrière

• OECS countries ‘on standby’ in event of volcanic crises in St Vincent, Martinique