Based on the evolution of the eruption, the 160 residents evacuated from Tajuya and Tacande on the 24^th can return to their homes. According to Maria Jose Blanco, this has been allowed by the lack of the instability seen in the cone on the 24^th, as well as the relative stability of eruption parameters such as tremor which was elevated and unstable at the time the evacuation was first ordered. The eruption continues to show both Strombolian activity from 3 or more vents in the main cone, as well as more effusive Hawaiian activity from the vent at the base of the NW sector of the main cone. The lava from this effusive vent continues to feed two active lava flows; a southern flow at travelling at approximately 30 m per hour; and a more fluid flow to the north which has sped up and is travelling at around 100 m per hour and is expected to overrun the front of the older stalled lava flow front to the north according to modelling carried out by the authorities. At 8:15pm, the latter flow reached Todoque mountain, about 1,600 m from the coast.

Regarding geophysical signals volcanic tremor shows markedly more stability than previous days. The ash plume height exceeds 3300 m, although ongoing atmospheric conditions favour dispersion to the east and at lower levels (<1500 m), which has been seen as intense ashfall in some areas of the island. SO2 emissions from the volcano are lower but remain at relatively high levels, estimated at 16,380 tons per day. Deformation however is now showing a definite period of stability at all stations. Earthquake activity remains at a low level, showing a similar spatial distribution to the 25^th. 4 events were recorded at around 10 km depth, peaking at 2.6 mbLg.

A picture of the eruption on the 26th showing the strombolian activity in the main cone (left) and the more effusive activity from the new vent on the flanks of the main cone (centre). Image credit: INVOLCAN

Sources: Government of the Canary Islands, PEVOLCA, Involcan, IGN, DSN, Cabildo La Palma, 112 Canarias, Tolouse VAAC