Africa

In pictures: Pico do Fogo volcano in Cape Verde erupts

  • 2 December 2014

The Pico do Fogo volcano has been erupting in the Cape Verde islands, causing hundreds of residents living nearby to be evacuated.

The area around the volcano on the island of Fogo is a popular hiking destination for tourists and is also used for agriculture, including wine-making.

Residents have been re-housed in temporary accommodation, some of which was already built in preparation for such evacuations.

Image copyright Reuters
Image caption The volcano, Pico do Fogo, began erupting late last month
Image copyright Reuters
Image caption It was the first time the volcano had erupted since 1995
Image copyright EPA
Image caption The eruption sent a large plume of smoke into the air
Image copyright EPA
Image caption Residents in the area beneath the volcano were warned to leave; some took valuable possessions with them
Image copyright EPA
Image caption The volcano expelled a large quantity of lava which flowed towards a nearby village. About 20 homes were destroyed
Image copyright EPA
Image caption Scientific researchers have been monitoring the volcanic gases emitted by the lava
Image copyright EPA
Image caption Some people ventured closer to get a better view of the rare eruption
Image copyright EPA
Image caption Seven sources of lava from the volcano have now united into one lava flow a kilometre wide

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