The latest ‘Youth on the Go’ Programme on April 25^th, featured student ambassadors discussing disaster preparedness in the event of a volcanic eruption which highlighted that while eruptions cannot be prevented, proper planning significantly reduces risk.

Before an eruption, households should prepare a 72-hour emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, masks, medication, flashlights, batteries, and a radio. Families are also encouraged to create and practice an emergency and evacuation plan. Aaron Daljit, a student of the Joycelyn Liburd Primary School shared what to do during a volcanic explosion:

It is important that persons move to safer locations away from hazards such as lava flows, ash, and mudflows.

After the event, continued caution is required. Residents should listen to authorities before returning home, avoid unnecessary phone use to keep lines open for emergency services, and carefully remove accumulated ash from rooftops to prevent structural collapse.