La Palma Lava Flow Hits The Ocean
The volcanic lava flow which has engulfed hundreds of hectares of the Canary Island of La Palma has now reached the sea releasing vast quantities of toxic gas into the atmposphere.
Since the eruption over 10 days ago eruption over 10 days ago thousands of residents have been forced to flee their homes from the seemingly non stop destructive flow of lava that flowed nearly 7 kms and destoyed hundreds of properties on its route to the sea.
Over 20 kilometres of the island´s roads have also been destroyed.
The Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO), have said the the lava flow now covers some 10 hectares of the sea bed and could be already as high as 50 metres in some places.
As the lava flow continues both are expected to increase significantly.
No deaths have been reported though some 7,000 residents have been evacuated out of an island population of 85,000.
The eruptions are continuing and expected to last for the foreseeable future.
The last time the Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted in 1971, seismic activity continued for over a month.
The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced that he would be returning to La Palma after earlier visit last week.
One of the principal concerns is the rebuilding of communities – especially as the lava flow has rendered the land useless for any type of construction.