La Palma: Authorities fear volcanic eruptions

Enlarge image

Cumbre Vieja volcanic chain (old summit) on La Palma

Photo: imago images / Juan Carlos Cantero

In the past few days there have been more than 4200 smaller earthquakes on the Canary Island of La Palma, as reported by the Spanish newspaper "El País".

The scientists warn that the tremors will intensify and volcanoes could erupt.

Ten years ago there were also several quakes on the neighboring island of El Hierro, which were followed by an underwater eruption.

According to María José Blanco, Director of the National Geographic Institute (IGN) in the Canary Islands, the tremors below La Palma released as much energy in three days as was released in 2011 on El Hierro for weeks.

The authorities therefore declared the yellow alert for the volcano risk on Tuesday.

"We can't make short-term predictions," warned Blanco, "but everything indicates that earthquakes of greater magnitude will occur."

The last volcanic eruption on La Palma was 50 years ago.

In October 1971 the Teneguía volcano erupted on the island.

At first the earth shook for days.

Then craters tore open and lava flung out.

kha