Although the effusive phase of the eruption continues to be more powerful currently than the more explosive strombolian phase, the active lava flow fronts are currently barely advancing. This is because of the existence of lava tubes, although the flows continue to widen and grow in height. Ashfall has been concentrated on the eastern side of the island to include the airport, and consequently airport operations have been affected and are expected to continue to be affected by the ash in the coming days. The lava flows currently cover 724 hectares, and at its widest the flow field is now 2,350 m wide. Regarding the 5 cm inflation seen at the Jedey LP03 station on the 14^th October, that signal has now completely reversed, and the rest of the stations do not show significant deformation.

Volcanic tremor remains at an elevated level of amplitude, with pulses of higher intensity also being seen. Earthquake activity remained similar to previous days and contained both intermediate (10-15 km) and deep (>20 km) earthquakes. 88 events were recorded, peaking at 4.6 mbLg. The ash and gas plume reached 4500 m, and the SO2 emissions from the volcano increased relative to the 15^th, at 8,278 tons per day, although this is an underestimate. HCl emissions data made available on this day from the 14^th indicated a flux of 2,360 tons per day in the plume. SO2 concentrations remained below threshold levels throughout the day, although the stations in Fuencaliente and Puntagorda came close to exceeding the hourly threshold (350 μg/m³). PM10 concentrations remained elevated in all stations due to the arrival of a Saharan air mass, with the daily threshold (50 μg/m³) being exceeded in Los Llanos, El Pilar (Santa Cruz de La Palma), and La Grama (Breña Alta).

(Above) A video of the eruption on the 16th taken from the north, showing the active vents are strong ash emission. Video credit: INVOLCAN

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