Residents of a Caribbean island are being evacuated as officials warn a volcanic eruption is 'imminent now'

• Thousands of residents on a Caribbean island are being evacuated over fears of a volcanic eruption.
• St. Vincent's emergency body warned that there was a "substantial prospect of disaster."
• The prime minister ordered thousands of people to evacuate, and cruise ships are due to help.

Residents of the Caribbean island of St. Vincent are being evacuated after emergency officials warned that a volcanic eruption is "imminent now."

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) said on Thursday that there was a "substantial prospect of disaster" and told residents "be ready, get your things in order."

Prime minister Ralph Gonsalves ordered the thousands of people living in the "red zone" to evacuate due to the La Soufrière volcano.

Videos show the volcano's activity on Thursday:

NEMO has been sharing updates on its Facebook page on Friday, telling residents where to go to be evacuated if they need help.

CNN reported that around 6,000 to 7,000 people are affected by the evacuation order.

Barbados Today shared a video of people evacuating:

CNN also reported that multiple cruise lines are sending ships to evacuate residents, due to arrive on Friday.