Updated Sep 20, 2021 - Science
Thousands flee after volcano erupts on Spain's La Palma
- Yacob Reyes, author of Axios Tampa Bay
A river of lava approaches houses as Mount Cumbre Vieja erupts, spewing out columns of smoke, ash and lava on the Canary island of La Palma on Sept. 19. Photo: Desiree Martin/AFP via Getty Images
About 5,000 people, including 500 tourists, on the Spanish island of La Palma, have been forced to evacuate after a volcano, known as Mount Cumbre Vieja, erupted Sunday, Reuters reports.
Driving the news: The explosion, which took place in a southern area of the island known as Cabeza de Vaca, came after several weeks of seismic activity, with authorities recording an earthquake of about 3.8 magnitude before the eruption.
- La Palma is one of eight Spanish Canary Islands off Africa’s western coast, with a population of 85,000. The volcano last erupted in 1971, per AP.
- Roads near the explosion remain closed, and local authorities urge people not to approach the area. No fatalities had been reported as of Monday, per Reuters.
- The lava has already destroyed about 100 houses, according to Reuters.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.