Piton Sainte-Rose Explained

Piton Sainte-Rose is a village located on the eastern coast of the French island and department of RĂ©union in the Indian Ocean. It is part of the commune of Sainte-Rose.

History

In April 1977, Piton Sainte-Rose was devastated by a lava flow from the Piton de la Fournaise, the active volcano of the island.[1] The village church was partly invaded by the lava flow but not destroyed.[2] The church was subsequently restored and renamed Notre Dame des Laves (Our Lady of the Lava). It is used for Catholic services.[3]

References

  1. Global Volcanism program, Smithsonian Institution.
  2. Fournaise Info, 24 March 1977 eruption.
  3. Pierre Thomas, Laboratoire de Sciences de la Terre / ENS Lyon.