Disasters & Accidents

Lava river gushing from La Palma volcano over 1.2 km wide

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, Oct 6 (EFE).- The river of lava seeping from a volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma is now over 1.2 kilometers at its widest, the Department of National Security said Wednesday.

Over 420 hectares of land, spanning 36.24 kilometers, have been affected by the red-hot streams of magma oozing from the Cumbre Vieja volcano, the latest DSN report said.

Lava flows are heading westwards into the Atlantic ocean and have forged a delta that straddles 36 hectares.

Despite air quality improving in recent days, shifting wind patterns could push the ash and sulfur clouds north which could affect the airport.

Some 726 buildings have been wrecked since the volcano started erupting on 19 September.

Efforts are being made to ensure banana plantations get watered in a bid to save the cornerstone of the island’s economy. Two desalinators arrived from the mainland on Tuesday evening in a bid to help farmers save their crops in the Aridane Valley.

The Spanish government approved on Tuesday a 213.7 million euro ($247 million) rescue package, which will be used to build homes and distribute basic goods.EFE

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