Student helps St Vincent - 3rd May 2021

A volcano erupted in April on St Vincent, a Caribbean island. Grey ash rained down on the area. The eruption took place in early April. 20,000 people had to escape their homes.

A student from Bristol, UK, is trying to help. Shelena Artman is 18 and her father and grandfather were both born on the island. Her grandfather had survived an eruption in 1902 as a baby.

Shelena was upset to see pictures of the usually beautiful island. The volcanic ash has made the green island completely grey.

Shelena is raising money to help local islanders. Bristol has two collection centres where she also helps. People can take in useful items such as face masks.

On St Vincent, around 4000 people are now living in 87 shelters. The shelters are very basic and some don't have drinking water.

A UN representative has warned that the problems may last for months. First, people need drinking water and shelter. After that, people will start cleaning up the island.