Canary Islands, Cumbre Vieja volcano eruption continues: 6 thousand evacuated

The damage caused by the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, on the island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands, continues to increase. According to reports from public TV RTVE, so far the lava – which continues to come out of nine volcanic fissures – has destroyed over 160 buildings and covered more than 100 hectares of fields. In the next few hours, the flow is expected to reach the west coast of the island. Authorities have warned that contact between lava and sea water will produce toxic gases. Meanwhile, the Spanish civil protection reported that the number of evacuees has risen to almost 6 thousand, most of whom have found shelter in the homes of relatives or in private homes in other parts of the islands. There are no victims.