Cumbre Vieja, a Spanish mountainous range and volcano, which had been inactive since 1971 has recently erupted after which authorities evacuate thousands, however, no injuries were reported.
Reports quoting locals stated that one of Spain’s Islands sited off the African coast has around more than 85,000 residents while authorities mull to vacate the adjourning villages on the edge of the mountain as the first eruption in nearly 5 decades posed a threat to their safety.
In the clips shared by natives, the rivers of lava can be seen burning and crushing everything in its path, while the officials closed in on the island’s populated coast as researchers believe the lava flows could last for months. It also showed smoke clouds billowing into the sky.
🔥 lava river of the volcano of the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Impressive images🔥 @lpalma #lapalma pic.twitter.com/o3wNBAtpCM
— @ezequieleg968 (@ezequieleg968) September 19, 2021
The Island also jolted with numerous small earthquakes following the massive eruption while authorities issued multiple warnings including aftershocks and the release of toxic gases which occurred when lava meets the ocean.
🔥 house reached by the lava of the volcano of La Palma in the Canary Islands 🔥 @lapalma #lapalma pic.twitter.com/e1qihc69T0
— @ezequieleg968 (@ezequieleg968) September 19, 2021
Earlier, officials alarmed the residents as several earthquakes hit the region days prior, while an earthquake, which was recorded 4.2 on the Richter Scale alarmed authorities.
Meanwhile, the catastrophic process can also cause explosions. Some of the reports quoting local officials said more than 200 houses have been burned or destroyed as of now. Furthermore, volcanic ash, which also includes hazardous materials, caused irritants for the eyes and lungs. The crazy eruption also spewed around tonnes of sulfur dioxide, per reports.
The vacated site is a part of the Canary Islands archipelago which is a distinguished tourist place, especially for European visitors.
Meanwhile, the Spanish prime minister also postponed his trip to New York for the UNGA session as the catastrophic incident prompted mass evacuations.
Me dirijo en estos momentos hacia Canarias, ante la evolución sísmica, para conocer de primera mano la situación en La Palma, la coordinación del dispositivo y los protocolos activados.
Posponemos el viaje a EE.UU. para asistir a la Asamblea General de la ONU.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) September 19, 2021
“I am at the moment heading to the Canary Islands because of the seismic evolution, to see first-hand the situation in La Palma, the coordination of the means and the protocols that have been activated,” Sánchez wrote on his official handle.
