La Palma volcano eruption: lava that could create clouds of toxic gases now 800m from ocean | world News

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Lava flowing from an erupting volcano in the Canary Islands – which can create clouds of toxic hydrochloric acid vapor – is now 800 meters from the ocean.

While one of La Palma’s two lava rivers slowed, officials said Tuesday, the other accelerated on its way to shore.

The flow is “hotter and smoother” and affects the small town of Todoc, forcing people to evacuate their homes.

When it hits the sea, it can produce a heat shock that releases toxic vapor into the atmosphere—particularly hydrochloric acid that is dangerous to breathe and irritates the eyes and skin.

Watch live: La Palma volcano eruption

Photo: Lava streams advanced down the volcano and across the island

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Firefighters closely monitor lava spreading from the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island.

Officials had been expecting lava to reach the Atlantic Ocean for days, but the eruption was volatile and after calming on Monday, the volcano became more explosive overnight.

Residents who live on the beach have been warned to stay indoors.

More about the eruption of the volcano La Palma

Sky News correspondent Becky Cotterell, reporting live from Spain’s Canary Island, said: “There is a giant lava fountain coming out of the volcano a little further away. It appears to be several hundred feet high.

“One of the things we have noticed in the last hour as the sun rises is the amount of thick black smoke coming out of the top of the volcano and gathering overhead.

Photo: More towns evacuated as the volcano continues to erupt

“The biggest concern now is when this lava hits the sea. It’s a very steep slope from the top of the volcano down to the coast.”

The eruption, which began nine days earlier on September 19, has already destroyed more than 500 homes, burying many in molten rock.

Thousands forced from their homes

No deaths or serious injuries have been reported since the eruption began, due to swift evacuations by emergency services.

The volcano has so far released more than 46 million cubic meters (1.6 billion cubic feet) of molten rock, according to the Canary Island Institute of Volcanology.

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