La Palma Volcano; Lava Blocks the Size of Three-Story Buildings

As tremors shook the island of La Palma, blocks of molten lava the size of a three-story building were see rolling down the hillside three weeks after the volcanic eruption.

Further seismic activity was recorded on Sunday by the Spanish National Geological Institute ING. A total of 12 movements with the largest measuring 3.8 shook the grounds in the local villages of El Paso, Fuencaliante and Mazo.

The Spanish Institute of Geology and Mining reported three-story large blocks of red hot lava flowing down the Cumbre Vieja volcano with temperatures reaching up to 1,240 degrees. Many buildings that remained standing after the eruption were destroyed as the Lava flowed through the village of Todoque.

Spain’s National Security Department tweeted, “The collapse of the northern flank of the Cumbre Vieja has caused the release of large blocks of material and the appearance of new flows that run through areas already evacuated. The lava has reached the Camino de la Gata industrial estate and new buildings.”

The flowing lava has destroyed over 1000 buildings and 493 hectares of land. Thousands of people had to be evacuated after the news of the eruption came. The island is home to 83,000 people and is also a popular tourist spot during peak season.


©Photo: CFP