Breaking: Les Açores Volcano Erupts, Thousands Evacuated

Ponta Delgada, Azores — A volcanic eruption on the island of São Miguel sent a column of ash thousands of meters into the sky early today, triggering a swift emergency response and the evacuation of thousands of residents and visitors from nearby towns. Local authorities described the eruption as a sudden, moderately explosive event that began shortly after dawn and continued into the afternoon, with additional minor eruptions possible in the coming hours.

Witnesses reported a dark plume rising from a fissure on the northeast flank of the volcano, accompanied by rumbling sounds and occasional lava bursts. The eruption prompted the regional airport to suspend flights for several hours, with some services rerouted to other islands. Ferry connections between the Azorean islands were interrupted, stranding travelers and complicating relief logistics for evacuees heading to shelters set up in schools and community centers.

Officials from the Civil Protection Service said more than 4,000 people had been relocated to safer areas within a 20-kilometer radius of the crater. 'We are mobilizing all available resources to monitor the situation, provide for evacuees, and keep the public informed,' said Carlos Nunes, a spokesman for the regional authority. A medical team's on-site clinic reported no immediate serious injuries, though doctors warned that ash inhalation could affect sensitive individuals, especially children and the elderly.

Geologists with IPMA noted ongoing seismic tremors and gas emissions as the volcano remains in a heightened state of activity. The authorities have established a provisional exclusion zone and urged residents to stay indoors with windows closed when ash falls, wear protective masks if outdoors, and follow official guidance for shelter locations and road closures.

As night approaches, crews continue to clear ash from roads and supply shelters with food, water, and basic medical care. Local schools have opened their doors to evacuees, offering safety, heat, and a sense of routine for families displaced by the eruption. Officials stressed that the situation remains fluid and asked people to rely on verified alerts from civil protection and meteorological agencies for updates.

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