La Soufrière volcano erupts

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An explosive eruption has occurred at La Soufrière volcano in St Vincent. Residents are being warned to leave the surrounding areas.

The eruption is ongoing.

On Thursday St Vincent issued a red alert and evacuation order after the volcano showed signs of an imminent eruption.

La Soufrière violently erupted in 1718, 1812, 1902 and 1979.

The Saint Vincent eruption of 1902 killed 1,680 people, just hours before the eruption of Mount Pelée on Martinique that killed 29,000.

The last recorded eruption in April 1979 resulted in no casualties due to advance warning.