Fogo volcano (Cape Verde) update: eruption continues, slowed lava advance

Volcanic activity continues, but the advance of the lava flows has slowed down to approx. 5 meters per hour and it seems that the effusion rate has diminished.
The abundant presence of gases and ash in the area of the Cha das Caldeiras caldera promts authorities to maintain a total access restriction.
By the afternoon of 10 Dec, the most advanced flow was approx. 600 m ENE of the rmeains of Bangaeira village. Whether or not it will reach the break in slope to the outer caldera flank and potentially reach the populated coastal area is impossible to predict.

Nevertheless, authorities are preparing a contingency plan for the possible evacuation of Cutelo Alto and Fonsaco areas, the latest report of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) writes:
"According to analysis provided by the local scientific community and international experts in Fogo, if the lava flow reaches Fernão Gomes, it may descend the north-east side of the volcano. An additional 2109 people would in this scenario need to be evacuated and require temporary accommodation and assistance. Presently, in the worst case scenario, at the decreased current flow rate, the lava would reach the area of Fernão Gomes within 7 to 10 days, according to experts.

"As a preventive measure, the Civil Protection has identified the area surrounding the football stadium in Mosteiros as a location where 20 tents sent by the Civil Protection in Praia to Fogo could be set up, should there be a need to host displaced people in the worst case scenario. About 60% of the 2109 persons have accommodation with host families and have started evacuation of their belongings spontaneously. There is no official evacuation order."

"According to reports from the Civil Protection, approximately 95% of the community of Portela and 70% of the community of Bangaeira has been destroyed.
- About 450 hectares of land have been destroyed, including about 120 hectares of various crops. Crops have been lost and livestock also perished.
- Volcanic activity continues, although no immediate threat to human health is reported.
- Humanitarian assistance is ongoing. Displacement will continue for a period of time to be determined as conditions in Chã das Caldeiras are not safe for return." (OCHA)