Natural Hazards and Disasters: Fogo Eruption

Monday 8 December 2014

Fogo Eruption

The eruption at Fogo has now destroyed 95% of the village of Portela and 70% of Bangaeira. An estimated 1500 people from these two villages have been left homeless by lava flows that have buried and destroyed their homes and infrastructure. Fortunately no casualties have been reported due to early evacuation of the two locations.

The lava flows are currently travelling towards Fernão Gomes. A forest perimeter known as Old Mount is also at threat from being buried by the flows, the two lava flows are approximately 3000 meters from the Old Hill forest perimeter.

Although there is uncertainty regarding the path of the lava flows, it is feared that the lava flows may affect other villages and cities such as Monte Velha, Tinteira, Grass, Achada Grande and Corvo before reaching the sea. Further evacuations of some of these locations are currently being discussed by authorities.

The situation has clearly left the island of Fogo devastated. Donations are already being collected for the victims of the eruption and aid is being provided to the evacuees.

Due to the unpredictable nature of volcanoes, it is difficult, if not impossible to predict when the eruption will finally come to an end.