FIRST ERUPTION IN 2017 OF REUNION’S PITON DE LA FOURNAISE
(Posted 01st February 2017)
The Piton de la Fournaise offered a full-scale firework display to start the year in style! On January 31st at 19.40, did one of the most active volcanoes in the world erupted again. The first lava fountains of the Réunion volcano sprang up on the south-eastern flank of the island and provided a major spectacle for young and old, visitors and locals alike.
Volcanologists or explorers in search of unusual, it is the opportunity to discover the ‘hot side‘ of Reunion and with its natural enclosure this constantly active volcano presents no danger to people or for visitors.
By prefectoral order, all the trails that allow access to the upper part of the enclosure have been closed by the national park services. For now, the lava flow is located on the south southeast flank of the terminal cone, known as the Castle area, in Fouquet.
The Piton de la Fournaise is located in the heart of La Réunion National Park , which is registered in the World Heritage by Unesco . Before visitors reach the volcano, they will cross the Plaine des Sables and its landscapes similar to those on Mars. It is the opportunity to experience a unique experience and to go on a space mission without leaving the earth!
Want to push the experience yet further? The Volcano Museum located in the Plain of Kaffirs, takes visitors virtually to the volcano, through innovative and interactive visual and audio aids.
For total immersion in the bowels of the Piton de la Fournaise one should not miss the lava tunnels. Scientists count about fifty subterranean passages around Saint-Philippe and Sainte-Rose, which allow visitors to explore the old lava flows of 2004 and 2007. Tourists are accompanied by experienced guides to partake in this exceptional activity in safe conditions. Equipped with a helmet and a headlamp, visitors can experience a natural science lesson when walking through the caves that can be up to a kilometer long.
For more information about Destination Reunion click on www.reunion.fr
