DPNG confirms eruption of La Cumbre volcano on Fernandina

This is a natural event in the volcanic Galápagos islands.

The lava flow arrives at the sea. Ashes from the eruption did not allow a closer approach to the eruption site.

Galápagos National Park personnel have confirmed the eruption of La Cumbre volcano on Fernandina Island after performing an overflight of the site.

The eruption began approximately 500 meters from the edge of the crater on the southwest slope of the volcano, near Cape Hammond. The eruption has created a fissure 200 meters long and 10 meters wide, and is throwing lava up to 15 meters into the air.

An enormous column of smoke is visible from great distance. It has been determined that the lava flow is running southwest to the ocean. The eruption is centered near the site of a 2005 eruption of the same volcano.

The wind is blowing the smoke and the gases produced by this natural event toward the southwest. The eruption does not pose any risk to the populated zones of nearby Isabela Island.

Given that the lava is flowing to the sea, it's likely that a number of marine species including iguanas and sea lions will be affected by the event.

Volcanic eruptions in Galápagos are natural events. The GNP will evaluate the magnitude of the event and monitor and document the changes that take place in the ecosystem.

More information:

The flyover showed no lava entering the caldera of La Cumbre volcano.

The Military Geophysical Institute reported hot spots in eruption zone from midnight of this Saturday.

La Cumbre volcano spans the whole of Fernandina Island, the youngest island of the archipelago. Fernandina has neither a human population nor any invasive species, and is thus categorized as an absolutely protected island.

Fernandina Island has one restricted tourist site, Punta Espinoza, which the Tourist Administration has determined will not be affected by the eruption. Nevertheless, the volcanic activity will be constantly monitored and access controlled accordingly.