The lava from the Cumbre Vieja volcano slowly descends and takes everything in its path
“Given the advance of the lava, which is quite high, nothing can be done,” he admitted. “Neither a barricade, nor a ditch, nor a parapet in any way stops the advance of the lava. I wish it were so, but it is not, it is impossible.”
The eruption, which began on Sunday, has already devastated 154 hectares and destroyed 320 buildings, the European geospatial measurement system Copernicus reported on Wednesday, in a notable increase from its previous data.
The arrival of the lava to the sea arouses fear due to the reactions it provokes, and it had been taken for granted. However, it is no longer safe because the magma’s descent has been slowing down.
“The flows progress very slowly, 12 meters have advanced in 12 hours”, indicated the regional president.
According to the latest data from the Canarian government, these fiery gray and orange columns are now moving at four meters per hour, engulfing the vegetation and buildings in their path.
The suspended volcanic ash also blocks sunlight and reduces visibility in the area, so the emergency services asked the population of this Atlantic island of about 85 thousand inhabitants that limit their movements.
The eruption of the Cumbre Vieja has already caused the evacuation of 6,100 people, including 400 tourists. Not knowing if they will ever be able to return, many residents were forced to leave their homes in the space of sometimes a few minutes.
No victims have been reported.