Lava from a volcano reaches the sea on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain on Wednesday. Lava from a volcano that erupted September 19 has reached the Atlantic Ocean. Photo / AP
Lava from a volcano reaches the sea on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain on Wednesday. Lava from a volcano that erupted September 19 has reached the Atlantic Ocean. Photo / AP
The surface of Spain's La Palma island is continuing to expand as lava from a volcanic eruption flows into the Atlantic Ocean and solidifies when it hits the water, European Union scientists say.
Copernicus, the European Union's Earth observation programme, said this week that its satellite imagery showed a D-shaped tongue of molten rock building up on the island's western shore that measured 338 hectares by the end of Wednesday (local time).
Trade winds typical of Spain's Canary Islands were helping dispel the plumes of water vapour and toxic gases that result when the lava with a temperature of over 1000C meets the ocean, where the water is 22C.
This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies, shows a general view of lava flowing from the Cumbre Vieja volcano on Spain's La Palma island on Wednesday. Photo / AP
But authorities were on alert because Spain's weather forecaster, AEMET, indicated the wind's direction could change later Thursday and bring the toxic plumes toward the shore and farther inland.
The hydrochloric acid and tiny particles of volcanic glass released into the air can cause skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation.
The direction the lava flow could take was also a source of concern. Molten rock emanating from the volcano that first erupted on September 19 was still running downhill like a river and then tumbling over a cliff into the Atlantic. But uneven terrain could make the lava overflow its current path, spread to other areas, and destroy more houses and farmland.
Lava from the new volcano on the Canary Island of La Palma reached the Atlantic ocean on Wednesday and is now increasing the size of the island. Photo / AP
Clouds of gas are seen as lava from a volcano enters the sea on the Canary island of La Palma yesterday. The surface of Spain's La Palma island continues growing as lava flows into the sea. Photo / AP
At least 855 buildings and 30 kilometres of roads, as well as other key infrastructure, have been wiped out so far. Banana plantations that are the source of income for many islanders have also been either destroyed or damaged by volcanic ash.
Over 6000 residents have been evacuated so far, and hundreds more were advised to stay home to avoid the possible inhalation of toxic gases. No casualties or injuries have been reported among La Palma residents or visitors since the eruption began.
La Palma, home to about 85,000 people, is part of the volcanic Canary Islands, an archipelago off northwest Africa. The island is roughly 35 kilometres long and 20 kilometres wide at its broadest point.
