Graphic shows the location of Spain’s Cumbre Vieja volcano.
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DISASTER

After 30 days, no let-up in sight from La Palma volcano

By Ninian Carter

October 19, 2021 - The eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma is showing no signs of weakening.

The Cumbre Vieja volcano, which is on the Canary Island of La Palma off the North Africa coast, began erupting on September 19, spewing out rivers of lava and enormous clouds of ash.

Over the past 30 days, it has destroyed almost 2,000 buildings, with around 7,000 people having to be evacuated from their homes. The lava flow now covers more than 800 hectares and has created a huge delta on what used to be Guirre beach – increasing the size of the island by around 40 hectares.

Approximately 35,000 earthquakes and tremors have been recorded on the island since the eruption, with one at the weekend measuring an alarmingly high 4.3 on the Richter scale.

Fortunately, due to the fast response from local rescue services, no deaths or serious injuries have been reported on the island thus far.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 20/10/2021; STORY: Graphic News
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