While our Asia-based disaster response team is now on the ground in the Philippines assessing the damage from Typhoon Hagupit, our Americas-based team is gearing up to deploy to Cabo Verde.
Fogo Island, or "fire" island in Portuguese, has seen nearly constant volcanic eruptions from Pico do Fogo since November 23. This week, news reports describe "catastrophic" destruction.
Fogo's eruption seen from space. image credit: NASA / public domain
With an economy largely based on agriculture, this eruption - the first in nearly twenty years - has been particularly devastating as the lava flows have destroyed vast areas that include the most productive farmland.
A farmer and his goats in Fogo. Photo by Cayambe / CC BY
We've been in contact with local government officials and they tell us there is an urgent need for emergency feed, veterinary care and evacuations or animal rescues. The affected animals include thousands of goats, cattle, poultry, donkeys, rabbits, cats and dogs. Both people and animals are struggling as their homes are destroyed and volcanic ash contaminates vital food and water supplies.
I'll keep you updated from the ground on our emergency relief efforts and how we're helping the people and animals in Cabo Verde.
Pico do Fogo in quieter times. Photo by Pascal Givry / CC BY
