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Fogo Islanders Evacuated In Cape Verde Volcanic Eruption

Fogo Islanders Evacuated In Cape Verde Volcanic Eruption

A volcano erupted Sunday in the Cape Verde islands, prompting closure of an airport and evacuation of hundreds of residents living near the Pico do Fogo volcano, BBC reports.

No casualties have been reported. The Cape Verde government said the military and civil protection workers were being sent to the island of Fogo to help.

A large plume of smoke was seen rising over the Pico do Fogo volcano starting Sunday, the first time the volcano has erupted since 1995. Lava is flowing from two places and evacuation is ongoing at various parts of the Fogo island, especially in Chã das Caldeiras, according to a EuroNews video.

The Cape Verde archipelago off the coast of West Africa consists of 10 volcanic islands, eight of which are inhabited.

The area around Pico do Fogo (its name means fire) is a popular hiking destination for tourists and is also used for agriculture and wine-making, BBC reports.

The eruption appears more significant than the last one 19 years ago and more in line with a severe eruption in 1951 — the most severe in decades.

Officials warned the situation could deteriorate.

Some of the displaced families will be housed in accommodation built for those evacuated in 1995, BBC reports. Other get temporary shelter in “ready-made” homes, the government said.