The Peak of the Furnace has erupted for the first time in 2020. The volcano awoke at 10:30am local time and according to the volcanic observatory on Reunion Island, the eruption triggered some 100 earthquakes in less than 20 minutes. Several cracks opened up on the eastern flank of the volcano, although the fountains of lava have not exceeded 10 metres in height.
The observatory stressed that there is a possibility of more short-term lava emissions, prompting authorities to close access to the area.
Seismologists had expected the volcano, considered to be the most active in the world, to erupt in December, said Aline Pelletier, director of the local volcanic observatory. The last time it awoke was on 25 October and resulted in the closure of the road connecting the east and the south along the coast.