Bermudians are being urged to support an appeal to help people in St Vincent where a volcanic eruption has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents.

The West Indian Association for St Vincent and the Grenadines (WIA), said plumes of ash from the La Soufrière volcano had driven about 20,000 residents of St Vincent from their homes.

The Bermuda Government has pledged $50,000 in aid to the Caribbean island.

The WIA highlighted the aid, saying it “joins the relief efforts to ensure recovery for St Vincent, which was battling with the effects of Covid-19 before the eruption of the volcano”.

The WIA said it had previously raised funds via a Telethon in 2017 for the islands of Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and the British Virgin Islands for recovery from hurricanes.

“Members of the public can donate to our bank accounts at Bank of Butterfield Account No. 2000 6060 8700 30200 and HSBC Account No. 011 055 662 001, with the notation of SVG Volcanic relief in the details.

“Please support WIA’s fundraising efforts to rebuild St Vincent with the love and warmth of the Bermudian people.“

The group says it will partner with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Association, in conjunction with the National Emergency Management Organisation.