Table 7 Table summarising basaltic lava flow events at Karthala that have threatened inhabited areas since 1950
Eruption | Overview, including impacts (Eruption duration) | Response | Recovery & Preparation for subsequent eruptions |
|---|---|---|---|
1977 | A 200-m long fissure opened on the southwestern flank at 360 m asl. The resulting ‘a’ā lava flow bifurcated with each branch partially destroying Singani and M’Djoyesi. The two branches merged at lower elevations before advancing to the sea. (1 day) | This eruption prompted the evacuation of more than 4000 people, primarily in the damaged villages. Villagers 1 km from the eruptive vent did not evacuate initially. | Villagers returned several weeks after the eruption to find their mosques had not been damaged. The villages were subsequently rebuilt. This eruption is celebrated annually on 5 April. |