Lava flows from a volcano in Spain's Canary Island of La Palma as it erupted on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The eruption of a volcano in Spain's Canary Islands has been causing nerves to tingle for several days. It produced loud explosions and a large ash cloud, as well as cracking open a new fissure, which emitted more fiery molten rocks. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca
As molten rock from an erupting volcano continued to rise into the air, a huge cloud of ash blocked flights out and in from La Palma, Spain.
Despite emergency workers clearing the runway of ash, no flights arrived or left the airport.
The good news for Islanders was mixed. Some evacuees were allowed to return home amid low seismic activity, while authorities assessed the damage. Up to 430 buildings have been destroyed so far in the countryside.
On Sept. 19, the volcano at La Palma, which forms part of the volcanic Canary Islands in northwest Africa, erupted. It is home to approximately 85,000 people. More than 6,000 people were evacuated quickly to avoid any casualties.
The rest of La Palma is approximately 35 km (22 miles) in length and 20 km (12 miles) wide at its broadest point.
Miguel ngel Morcuende (technical director of the volcano emergency respond unit) stated that they are not in a "state of total alarm". "Life on the island continues, but those near the eruption are experiencing difficulties."
The volcano's mouth was still spewing fiery molten rocks and black smoke. The volcano's roar could still be heard from miles away. Scientists believe the eruption could last up to three months.
Lava flows from a volcano in Spain's Canary Island of La Palma as it erupted on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The eruption of a volcano in Spain's Canary Islands has been causing nerves to tingle for several days. It produced loud explosions and a large ash cloud, as well as cracking open a new fissure, which emitted more fiery molten rocks. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca
Morcuende stated that the sound of volcanic explosions can cause glass to shatter in the area. He advised people who live within 5 km (3 miles) of their windows to avoid them.
Officials stated that the fall of volcanic ash doesn't pose a danger to public health but that it can cause damage to people's eyes and lungs. When removing volcanic ash, they advised people to use a face mask, gloves, and eye protection. They also recommended that long-sleeved shirts and trousers be worn.
Officials said that the sulfur dioxide emissions from the crater are approximately 25,000 metric tons per day, but they don't pose any health risk.
Aena, the Spanish airport authority, tweeted that La Palma airport had reopened on Sunday. However, no planes were expected to land and take off. Five airlines had already cancelled their flights to La Palma due to the ash cloud. For aircraft engines, volcanic ash can be dangerous.
Lava flows from a volcano in Spain's Canary Island of La Palma as it erupted on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The eruption of a volcano in Spain's Canary Islands has been causing nerves to tingle for several days. It produced loud explosions and a large ash cloud, as well as cracking open a new fissure, which emitted more fiery molten rocks. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca
To catch ferries from the island, long lines were formed at the port.
Authorities allowed 160 evacuees back to their homes, while allowing other evacuated residents to take possession of their belongings.
Morcuende stated that the lava lies 2 km from the coast. Two rivers of lava are flowing down hillsides. One is further north, where molten rocks from a new fissure spread over an area where the lava has hardened and spread last week. The other is south, which is moving at 30 meters per hour (about 100 feet). The temperature of the lava hovers around 1,250 degrees Celsius (2.282 degrees Fahrenheit).
Pope Francis stated on Sunday that he was praying to all the victims of the volcano and dedicated a prayer at the end his weekly noon blessing in St. Peter's Square.
Lava flows from a volcano in Spain's Canary Island of La Palma as it erupted on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The eruption of a volcano in Spain's Canary Islands has been causing nerves to tingle for several days. It produced loud explosions and a large ash cloud, as well as cracking open a new fissure, which emitted more fiery molten rocks. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca
Lava flows from a volcano in Spain's Canary Island of La Palma as it erupted on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The eruption of a volcano in Spain's Canary Islands has been causing nerves to tingle for several days. It produced loud explosions and a large ash cloud, as well as cracking open a new fissure, which emitted more fiery molten rocks. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca
Lava flows from a volcano in Spain's Canary Island of La Palma as it erupted on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The eruption of a volcano in Spain's Canary Islands has been causing nerves to tingle for several days. It produced loud explosions and a large ash cloud, as well as cracking open a new fissure, which emitted more fiery molten rocks. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca
Lava flows from a volcano in Spain's Canary Island of La Palma as it erupted on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The eruption of a volcano in Spain's Canary Islands has been causing nerves to tingle for several days. It produced loud explosions and a large ash cloud, as well as cracking open a new fissure, which emitted more fiery molten rocks. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca
Lava flows from a volcano in Spain's Canary Island of La Palma as it erupted on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The eruption of a volcano in Spain's Canary Islands has been causing nerves to tingle for several days. It produced loud explosions and a large ash cloud, as well as cracking open a new fissure, which emitted more fiery molten rocks. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca
Lava flows from a volcano in Spain's Canary Island of La Palma as it erupted on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The eruption of a volcano in Spain's Canary Islands has been causing nerves to tingle for several days. It produced loud explosions and a large ash cloud, as well as cracking open a new fissure, which emitted more fiery molten rocks. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca
Lava flows from a volcano in Spain's Canary Island of La Palma as it erupted on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The eruption of a volcano in Spain's Canary Islands has been causing nerves to tingle for several days. It produced loud explosions and a large ash cloud, as well as cracking open a new fissure, which emitted more fiery molten rocks. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca
The pontiff stated, "I think especially about those who have had to leave their homes,"
This month's eruption marks the first since 1971 on La Palma.
Continue exploring Volcanic Ash Cloud closes La Palma Airport; New Vent emerges
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