Food and water are among the primary needs in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, amid explosions at La Soufrière volcano.
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders got an update on the situation when they met virtually in emergency session on Thursday.
A press statement explained that ash and the pyroclastic flows have decimated crops and vegetation.
In addition, the leaders heard that the ash and pyroclastic flows have compromised water sources.
The statement also said that the meeting informed the leaders that the situation would be prolonged, given the level of uncertainty in respect of the behaviour of the volcano.
As a result, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves reported that more than 10,000 people had been evacuated from the immediate disaster.
The evacuees are in shelters and at homes of family and friends.
The CARICOM leaders committed to continue providing extensive support to St Vincent and the Grenadines.
And, according to the press statement, they also pledged solidarity with that country as it strove to cope with the disaster.
La Soufrière erupted on Friday 9 April and has been spewing ash and emitting pyroclastic flows.
