Lava gushes from Spanish volcano, forcing more evacuations
People from the neighborhood of Tacande Alto were evacuated late Monday and early Tuesday after a new stream of lava started flowing from another crack on the slope of the Cumbre Viejo volcano, El Paso’s mayor Sergio Rodriguez told state broadcaster TVE.”The lava on its path to the sea has been a bit capricious and has diverted from its course,” Rodriguez said.About 6,000 of the 80,000 people living on the island have been forced to leave their homes to escape the eruption so far, TVE said.The lava flow was initially expected to reach the shore on Monday evening, but its speed has fallen in recent hours.A Reuters witness saw the flow of molten rock slowly engulf a house in the village of Los Campitos, igniting the interior and sending flames through the windows and onto the roof.As of Tuesday morning, the lava has covered 103 hectares and destroyed 166 houses, according to data released by the European Union’s Copernicus Emergency Management service.Emergency authorities have said residents should not fear for their safety if they follow recommendations.
