Ash rains down on Caribbean island after volcanic eruption Lexi Lonas Ash covered the streets of Caribbean island St. Vincent on Saturday after La Soufrière erupted. The volcano erupted on Friday, but clouds of ash continued to surround the island, covering streets and homes, Reuters reported. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves ordered an evacuation of towns close to the volcano, and 20,000 people left the surrounding area by Friday. A witness told Reuters that there was rumbling from the volcano and ash coming out of it Saturday morning. It is possible for larger explosions to occur following the one that took place Friday, according to the wire service, and they may go on for weeks or months.