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In Cape Verde, the inhabitants of the island of Fogo live among volcanic ashes
Despite the eruptions, residents of Chã das Caldeiras, on the island of Fogo, Cape Verde, are rebuilding their homes among the ashes. A local wine is even produced on these fertile lands.
On the island of Fogo, in Cape Verde, the village of Chã das Caldeiras constantly rises from its ashes, despite the eruptions that follow one after another. We note those of 1951, 1995, and 2014, the longest which lasted 77 days. “Here in Portela, there are only four houses that were spared”explains a resident of the village, part of which is engulfed in ash.
However, the inhabitants returned and rebuilt the village within reach of the lava. There are houses, some traditional, some businesses, and even the village school. Even those who do not have the means to rebuild have remained and coexist with the solidified lava. “In order for us to be able to live here, we had to remove all the lava that was in the rooms”testifies a mother, living there with her children for nine years. But volcanic ash, which retains moisture, has many benefits. The vines spread out there, to produce Fogo wine.