Responses to, and the short and long-term impacts of, the 1957/1958 Capelinhos volcanic eruption and associated earthquake activity on Faial, Azores

► Archival data sources allow the construction of a detailed account of responses to the 1957/58 eruption and earthquakes on Faial Island in the Azores. ► Research demonstrates that the responses of the authorities were highly successful. ► Today, the legislation and civil defence infrastructure necessary to achieve a similarly successful response have been developed and are in place.