The lava from the volcanic eruption on the Canary Island of La Palma has reached the sea. It has created a large cloud of gas. The authorities ask the population to stay indoors.
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There are fears of the formation of toxic and corrosive gas as the lava hits the sea, and residents of the nearby coastal village of Tazacorte have been asked to stay indoors. A witness says Reuters that a cloud formed when the lava reached water.
According to local media, a large, black cloud has formed, which on Tuesday was swept inland towards the land by the wind.
Experts from the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute Involcan have warned that as the lava comes in contact with the water, clouds of toxic gas will be launched into the air, and that there will be explosions and “shot-like” cracking of the molten rock.
“Inhalation or contact with corrosive gases and liquids can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract and can cause breathing difficulties, especially in people with chronic respiratory diseases,” says Involcan.
Local authorities have asked the population to stay away from the vulnerable areas.
– When the lava reaches the sea, everyone must stay indoors, said Miguel Angel Morcuende, director of the rescue committee Pevolca, earlier Tuesday.
The island was declared a disaster area by the Spanish authorities earlier on Tuesday. The government has given 10.5 million euros, equivalent to just over 106 million Norwegian kroner, in emergency aid to those affected.
The money goes to finance 107 apartments and to cover expenses for people whose homes have been swallowed up by the lava.
To date, almost 600 buildings have been destroyed. The number of evacuees has dropped to 5,600 after it was easy to return home.
Local authorities believe the eruption of the volcano Cumbre Vieja, which started on 19 September, has caused damage of several hundred million euros.
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