Volcano erupts in Cape Verde islands; no injuries reported but residents evacuated

LISBON, Portugal – The government of the Cape Verde islands off West Africa says a volcano there has erupted for the first time in almost 20 years.

Prime Minister Jose Maria das Neves said in a statement posted on the government website Sunday the eruption was on Fogo, one of the archipelago's 10 islands. No injuries were reported.

Das Neves said officials began evacuating residents after the eruption began Sunday morning. Civil protection staff and military were being flown to the island to help.

Geological services had warned in recent weeks that the Pico do Fogo volcano in the former Portuguese colony was increasingly active.

No further details were immediately available.