The Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma erupted Sunday after days of increased seismic activity, forcing thousands to flee and spewing lava that destroyed numerous properties.
The eruption began Sunday afternoon on the southern portion of the island, causing fissures to open which allowed lava to burst into the air and trickle down hillsides and onto roadways. About 100 homes in an area of the island known for farming were destroyed by the lava flow, according to The Associated Press. No injuries have been reported. Meanwhile, the volcanic eruption on a Spanish island and its aftermath could last for up to 84 days, experts said Wednesday. As of Tuesday morning, the lava had covered 255 acres of land. The AP, citing the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute, said the lava was moving at a speed of 2,300 feet per hour on Monday but has since slowed its pace. The Canary Island Volcanology Institute said it based its calculation on the length of previous eruptions on the archipelago, which like the latest eruption were followed by heavy lava flows and lasting seismic activity. This lava is expected to cause explosions and clouds of acidic steam when it reached the waters of the Atlantic Ocean by Wednesday, according to Al Jazeera. The temperature of the lava was measured at more than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Tuesday night saw a strong increase in the number of smaller eruptions that hurl rocks and cinders high into the air on the island of La Palma, one of the Canary Islands off northwest Africa.
Authorities say that dangers still lie ahead for residents, including earthquakes, lava flows, toxic gases, volcanic ash and acid rain. Since last Sunday’s eruption, powerful rivers of unstoppable lava — up to six meters (nearly 20 feet) high — have swallowed up 185 buildings, mostly homes in the countryside. The lava now covers 154 hectares, according to the Volcanology Institute. La Palma has a population of about 85,000 and is located within Spain’s Canary Islands, which are located off the northwest coast of Africa.
