An out-of-control fire rages on the island of Amsterdam, forcing the evacuation of scientific and military personnel. This French islet lost in the heart of the Indian Ocean is fighting against the flames without much means…
The island of Amsterdam, an ultra-isolated French territory in the heart of the Indian Ocean, has been in the grip of a violent fire since Wednesday. Faced with the uncontrollable spread of the flames and the lack of means to combat them, the authorities took the decision to urgently evacuate all personnel present on the island.
31 people evacuated, material damage
According to the prefecture of French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF)31 people, mainly military and scientistswere on the island when the fire broke out. Faced with the growing threat, everyone had to be brought to safety on a fishing boat parked offshore. From their makeshift shelter, they helplessly watch the progression of the flames which they monitor using drones.
The fire, the origin of which remains unknown for the moment, did not cause any injuries but has already caused significant material damage. The fire notably reached certain installations of the Martin-de-Viviès scientific basethe only inhabited site on the island, damaging the satellite communications network and pipes.
Unfavorable conditions for fire fighting
According to the TAAF prefecture, personnel initially tried to fight the flames but the weather conditions, marked by strong gusts of wind, quickly made the task impossible. Without sufficient resources on site to put out the fire, the teams had to resort to evacuating and letting the fire spread.
From Reunion Island, where their headquarters is located, the TAAF is monitoring the situation closely but still lacks visibility on the exact extent of the fire. They are waiting to receive satellite images from the Ministry of the Interior to have a more precise vision of the evolution of the disaster.
The Marion Dufresne on its way to pick up the staff
The Marion Dufresnea TAAF supply ship which was on a mission to Kerguelen, another island in the archipelago, weighed anchor on Wednesday to reach Amsterdam. His arrival is scheduled for this Friday evening in order to recover the 31 evacuated people and put them permanently out of danger.
-Amsterdam Island, a unique and isolated natural site
Located approximately 2800 km southeast of Reunion, theîle d’Amsterdam is one of the most isolated in the world. It houses the station Martin-de-Vivièsa leading scientific site for the study of background air pollution. Despite its northern position in the French Southern Territories archipelago, its more temperate climate and dry vegetation make it particularly vulnerable to fires.
This dramatic event highlights the fragility of these unique ecosystems as well as the logistical challenges faced by French overseas territories in the event of a disaster. An investigation will have to determine the origin of the fire while the exact extent of the damage remains to be assessed once the flames are under control.
From Reunion Island, where their headquarters is located, the TAAF is monitoring the situation closely but still lacks visibility on the exact extent of the fire. They are waiting to receive satellite images from the Ministry of the Interior to have a more precise vision of the evolution of the disaster.
The Marion Dufresne on its way to pick up the staff
The Marion Dufresnea TAAF supply ship which was on a mission to Kerguelen, another island in the archipelago, weighed anchor on Wednesday to reach Amsterdam. His arrival is scheduled for this Friday evening in order to recover the 31 evacuated people and put them permanently out of danger.
Amsterdam Island, a unique and isolated natural site
Located approximately 2800 km southeast of Reunion, theîle d’Amsterdam is one of the most isolated in the world. It houses the station Martin-de-Vivièsa leading scientific site for the study of background air pollution. Despite its northern position in the French Southern Territories archipelago, its more temperate climate and dry vegetation make it particularly vulnerable to fires.
This dramatic event highlights the fragility of these unique ecosystems as well as the logistical challenges faced by French overseas territories in the event of a disaster. An investigation will have to determine the origin of the fire while the exact extent of the damage remains to be assessed once the flames are under control.
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