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Business As Usual — Almost — In Fogo As Cabo Verde Volcano Erupts

Business As Usual — Almost — In Fogo As Cabo Verde Volcano Erupts

Cabo Verdeans were more than a little frustrated when they first heard news of Pico do Fogo volcano erupting on the Ilha do Fogo on Sunday.

Initially unable to find coverage on TV, they turned to the radio and Facebook for news and photos.

Now the eruption is all over the  TV news, and those outside the lava flow are worried and praying for the people of the Chã das Caldeiras area of Fogo. The area is closest to the volcano, which last erupted in 1995. The area’s 1,000-or-so inhabitants have been evacuated.

Although conditions in the Cha das Calderas area of Fogo Island remain rough, thankfully there are no reported casualties,” said Joli Moniz, owner of A Vontade Tours based in Cabo Verde. “As of now, flights to and from Fogo Island are still happening but with altered routes for safety, and hotels in the city of San Filipe, which is a safe distance from the volcano site, remain open for business.”

Pico do Fogo is a major tourist attraction. Thousands of people climb the volcano annually. And Chã das Caldeiras is also home to the country’s growing wine industry. So far there has been no word from the vineyards as to any damage.

Many Cabo Verdeans living in the U.S. are from or have family ties on the island of Fogo. Americans visit Fogo regularly.

The U.S. Embassy in Praia, Cape Verde issued a travel advisory for U.S. Citizens, saying:

U.S. Citizens are advised against traveling to Fogo until the situation has stabilized. If you are required to travel to the island of Fogo, familiarize yourself with evacuation plans, monitor news outlets, use good judgment, and take all appropriate safety measures as volcanic conditions can change rapidly. U.S. citizens should have a plan in the event of flight cancellations.

U.S. citizens residing on the island of Fogo should keep extra food and water at home, and consider purchasing dust masks and heavy gloves to protect hands during ash clean-up.

If you live in or traveling to Cabo Verde, please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.