§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the recent natural disasters in Montserrat. [6416]
§ Clare ShortThe Soufriere Hill volcano has been active since July 1995. There was an escalation in volcanic activity on 25 June that resulted in the loss of 8 lives. My department immediately deployed the services of 4 helicopters, for search and rescue purposes. 17 people were rescued.
Following an on-the-spot assessment, my department gave immediate approval for vital emergency work such as setting up communications equipment and maintaining fuel and food supplies and sanitation. With the airport out of commission, a daily ferry service was set up operating from the Little Bay Jetty (recently constructed with DFID funds) to Antigua for the use of foot passengers and for the transportation of goods to ensure safe and sustainable conditions in the north of the island. HMS Liverpool was also sent to the scene and is assisting in the rescue effort. Further temporary shelter has been identified as the highest priority for immediate action and we are looking urgently at the best way of providing it.
314WHMG is fully committed to providing the people of Montserrat with a secure future, and we are planning a rapid consultation with them on the options.