A lava flow that originated from a vent at 700-m altitude on the outer NE flank of Piton de la Fournaise volcano on 9 April 1977, cut the principal road around Réunion Island and destroyed 12 houses in the village of Piton Ste Rose. The flow traveled 6 km before reaching the sea. About 2500 people were evacuated from the town. A new fissure opened up at 600-m altitude on the 9th. It fed a lava flow that burned more than 20 more houses before the eruption ended on 16 April.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1977.

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.

Piton de la Fournaise