Increased magma output, new lava flows keep La Palma on alert

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Oct 11 (EFE).- New lava flows that emerged during a volcanic eruption underway in Spain’s Canary Islands, which has scorched an area of around ??525.77 hectares in three weeks, are keeping emergency services on standby on Monday.

The new lava streams that emerged over the weekend after a partial collapse of the northern flank of the cone have increased magma output but the direction of the engorged flows remains stable.

Seismic activity continues to be high with tremors recorded at intermediate depths. More earthquakes are expected to follow with a risk of landslides in hilly areas.

According to the latest report from the Department of National Security, three weeks after the Cumbre Vieja volcano started its eruption, the crater continues to spew ash, sulfur and lava and the volcanic eruption is active.

Increased red-hot lava flows on the northern side of the volcano are descending towards the Todoque area, which to date had not been affected by the main flow.

The northern river of lava has two tranches, the southern one which has flowed into the original stream of magma, and a new and northern river located the Los Llanos de Aridane industrial estate.

The new lava stream is being monitored closely as its route could shift.

Residents in the area face further uncertainty amid the constant rumble of the volcano and its sporadic explosions.

According to the European Copernicus service,some 1,281 buildings have been affected, and some 132 hectares of farmland have been damaged.

The thick ash column reached a height of 3,5km Sunday. Despite weather conditions improving, winds pushing the ash west could disrupt operation in La Palma airport.