The Cumbre Vieja has been spitting ash, smoke and lava for almost a week.
The gases rose to an altitude of almost 5000 meters.
Spain is now drawing conclusions.
La Palma / Madrid - The situation in the tourist town of La Palma is coming to a head.
After another eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, all flights to and from the Canary Island were canceled on Friday.
According to AFP, this was announced by the Spanish airport operator Aena.
The Cumbre Vieja erupted last Sunday for the first time in 50 years.
On Friday the volcano spat a thick cloud of black ash into the air.
According to the Canarian volcano research institute Involcan, the eruptions can last between three and twelve weeks.
The authorities ordered further evacuations for parts of El Paso.
Due to the “current eruptive phase” there is an “increased risk for the population”, announced the regional government.
Volcanic eruption on Canary Island: Spain wants to declare the island a disaster area
Around 6000 people have had to be evacuated so far.
Many of them have lost all their belongings.
The approximately 180 hectares of land buried by lava so far will neither be built nor used for agriculture for decades, experts emphasized.
The regional authorities estimate the damage to be well over 400 million euros.
Even US media report on the case:
▶ ️A volcano on Spain's La Palma spewed lava for a fifth day on Friday.
👉Canary Island Volcano Eruption Continues for Sixth Day https://t.co/FFwNUadOov pic.twitter.com/J53bdcTfUj
- The Voice of America (@VOANews) September 24, 2021
The Canaries in Spain, which also include the popular holiday islands of Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote, are of volcanic origin.
The Cumbre Vieja erupted only twice in the 20th century: in 1971 and previously in 1949. Otherwise, it was considered a dormant volcano.
Volcano on La Palma: "Location on the island requires extraordinary measures"
The regional government wants to declare La Palma to be a disaster area and work out an extensive reconstruction plan.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Friday.
The resolutions should be taken next Tuesday.
"The situation on the island calls for extraordinary measures," emphasized the socialist.
Those affected should be helped with an immediate program.
In addition, the regional government announced the purchase and construction of new apartments.
There were still no injuries
(frs / AFP / dpa)
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