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Galapagos' Sierra Negra volcano eruption triggers evacuation

AFP Handout picture released by the Galapagos National Park press service showing lava flowing down the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island in the Galapagos Archipelago about 1000 km off the Ecuadorean coast in the Pacific Ocean, early on June 27, 2018.AFP
The volcano erupted after a number of earthquakes opened up fissures

The Sierra Negra volcano on the Galapagos island of Isabela is spewing fountains of lava and plumes of ash.

Fifty people have been evacuated from the surrounding area and tourists have been barred from visiting it.

The eruption started after two strong earthquakes opened up fissures in the 1,124m-high (3688ft) volcano.

It comes 11 days after the Cumbre volcano, the most active on the Galapagos, erupted on the uninhabited island of Fernandina.

The Sierra Negra volcano is located on the south-eastern tip of Isabela, the largest of the 18 main islands which make up the Galapagos Archipelago.

The Galapagos which are located about 1,000km (621 miles) off the coast of Ecuador are one of the most volcanically active regions in the world.

Sierra Negra last erupted in 2005. Night-time photos showed lava flowing down to the sea.

AFP Handout picture released by the Galapagos National Park press service showing lava flowing down the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island in the Galapagos Archipelago about 1000 km off the Ecuadorean coast in the Pacific Ocean, early on June 27, 2018.AFP
AFP Handout picture released by the Galapagos National Park press service showing lava flowing down the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island in the Galapagos Archipelago about 1000 km off the Ecuadorean coast in the Pacific Ocean, early on June 27, 2018.AFP

The Galapagos National Park authorities said tourists would not be allowed near the volcano or the area of El Cura, but said they were welcome to visit the rest of the island.

Thousands of tourists visit the Galapagos Islands every year, drawn by its unique biodiversity and its pristine environment.

The variety of wildlife on the island famously inspired Charles Darwin to conceive the theory of evolution.