Lava from the volcano on the island of La Palma is already flowing into the ocean – SME.sk

MADRID. A lava flow flowing from La Cumbre Vieja volcano to Spanish The island of La Palma has already started to flow into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, which raises concerns among volcanologists about the possible release of toxic gases.

The regional government of the Spanish archipelago has banned entry within two nautical miles of where lava is expected to enter the Atlantic, and on Monday asked residents around Tazacorte not to leave their homes.

Scientists warn that when magma enters seawater, a reaction occurs that causes vapors to escape, which can be toxic.

“Inhalation or contact with acid gases and liquids may irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract and cause breathing problems, especially in people with pre-existing respiratory diseases,” warned Miguel Ángel Morcuende, technical director of the Office of Volcanic Emergency Planning ( Pevolca).

The island of La Palma was declared an area affected by a natural disaster due to the effects of the volcanic eruption. The molten rock has so far burned more than 258 hectares of the island’s surface and destroyed 589 properties, according to an EU Earth observation program known as Copernicus.

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The Spanish government on Tuesday released 10.5 million euros to help the victims of the eruption, especially to buy houses or apartments for those whose houses were engulfed in lava.

Five million of this amount is earmarked for purchase home and the rest to procure furniture and essential household necessities, said government spokeswoman Isabel Rodríguez.

The eruption of La Cumbre Vieja volcano has required the evacuation of more than 6,000 people from their homes, but no casualties or injuries have been reported so far.

The island of La Palma lives mainly on banana growing and tourism.