The Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute has announced that La Cumbre volcano on Fernandina Island has started a new eruptive process. Uninhabited by humans, this island is well known for its marine iguana and flightless cormorant populations.

The current eruptive process began during the night of April 10. Lava flows have been observed, coming from a lateral fissure located 500 meters below the crater at the southwest side of the island, close to Cape Hammond. This is a radial fissure 200 meters long and 10 meters wide that reaches up to 15 meters high. There is also a large column of smoke.

The volcano of Fernandina Island erupted five years ago, without causing major damage to the flora and fauna of the area.

Tour excursions to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island have not been suspended; authorities of the Galapagos National Park are closely monitoring the developments to determine that it is safe to continue with them.

Posted in Galapagos Islands |

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