On April 9, 2021, the Caribbean island of St. Vincent’s La Soufrière volcano erupted, resulting in earthquakes and an avalanche of ash, gas, and debris covering the island. Sulfur dioxide gas, debris, ash, degradation of food and water supplies, in addition to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. According to disaster relief organizations, an estimated 23,000 people have been displaced and a majority of the 110,000 residents on the island have little or no access to electricity and clean water. The Caribbean Desalination Association’s (CaribDA) Humanitarian Committee reports that “the pollution from Sulphur dioxide and ash has caused chronic water shortages, devastation to the island’s agriculture sector, electricity outages, and displacement. It is expected that the devastating effects will be felt for months, or even years, and aid is desperately needed.”

LG Chem’s Water Solutions division is working with CaribDA to supply LG Chem’s seawater reverse osmosis membranes for installation in emergency SWRO units at two or three coastal communities. The membrane elements will produce clean water and help alleviate the shortage of fresh water supplies.

CaribDA continues to seek support and donations. For more information on how to help, please click on this link.