'We are not prepared': Locals flee Portuguese island after thousands of earthquakes raise fears volcano could erupt

‘We are not prepared’: Locals flee Portuguese island after thousands of earthquakes raise fears volcano could erupt

Mar 26, 2022

Residents on a Portuguese volcanic island hit by thousands of small earthquakes in recent days have shared their fears of a potentially bigger disaster.

People on Sao Jorge, in the Azores, have been left concerned by the more than 10,000 tremors recorded since last Saturday, which could trigger a volcanic eruption or a powerful quake.

About 200 of the recorded earthquakes, which had a magnitude of up to 3.3, have been felt by the population.

Filipe Azevedo, who owns a hotel on the island, said people are “very scared”.

The 42-year-old added: “We are all very anxious. It is a phenomenon for which we are not prepared.”

Alert level raised for possible eruption

The region’s CIVISA seismo-volcanic surveillance centre raised the volcanic alert to Level 4 on Wednesday, which meant there is a “real possibility” the volcano could erupt for the first time since 1808.

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CIVISA added there was “no evidence that a volcanic eruption was imminent”, but warned that such a scenario could not be discarded.

The region’s emergency plan has been activated, with preparations in place to evacuate all 8,400 locals in Sao Jorge if needed, authorities have said.

‘I’m scared to death for everyone who lives there’

In Velas, a town on the island, people living around the small plains at the bottom of cliffs originally created by lava or landslides have been told to leave.

Mayor Luis Silveira said: “We are living moments of anguish, of some fear. We have been asking people to keep calm, but it is becoming harder.”

Mr Silveira added there was still no need to evacuate all residents, but many have left the island on their own terms.

Local government figures showed around 1,250 left Sao Jorge by air or sea in the last two days.

Brazilian Kelly Fonseca was one of them, having moved to the Azores while seeking a better life.

The 41-year-old restaurant worker said: “I’m scared to death, not just for myself, but for everyone who lives there. It’s hard.”

However, Luis Mendonca, 52, appeared less worried as he said: “I will only leave my house as a last resort.

“It’s not like they will touch a button and the bomb will go off. It will evolve slowly.”

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