UN warns of humanitarian crisis as St Vincent eruptions displace thousands

• About 20% of Caribbean island's population have evacuated
• Volcanic activity expected to continue for days or weeks

Volcanic eruptions on St Vincent have displaced about 20% of the Caribbean island's population, as a UN official warned of a growing humanitarian crisis.

Between 16,000 to 20,000 people were evacuated under government orders before La Soufriere volcano first erupted on Friday, covering the lush green island with ash that continues to blanket communities in St Vincent as well as Barbados and other nearby islands.