27 Sep La Palma eruption update 27th september 2021: Brief pauses in eruptive activity seen

The eruption has seen a large variation of activity, with increases and decreases in the intensity of Strombolian activity, as well as pulses of phreatomagmatic activity (characterised by white plumes rich in water vapour) and periods of no strombolian activity from the main cone. The first period of cessation was between 4:10-4:30 am local time, and similar activity with occasional weak ash-rich explosions was seen throughout much of the day. These cessations were accompanied with greatly reduced volcanic tremor values, and have been attributed to a temporary plugging of the conduit. From approximately 6:30 pm local time, continuous strombolian activity returned to the vents in the main cone and increased in intensity throughout the evening, accompanied with a sharp increase in volcanic tremor. The lava flows continue to advance and are located between 800-1000 m from the coast, although the northern lava flow front which reached Todoque mountain on the 26th has greatly slowed. Nonetheless, due to the potential hazards from explosions and noxious clouds of vapour when the lava contacts the sea, preventative confinement measures have been put in place for 300 people in the coastal areas of Tazacorte.

26 Sep La Palma eruption update 26th september 2021: New effusive vent at the base of the cone

Based on the evolution of the eruption, the 160 residents evacuated from Tajuya and Tacande on the 24th 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 24th, 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.

25 Sep La Palma eruption update 25th september 2021: New effusive vents open

Given the evolution of the eruptive activity over the last 24 hours, it was decided by PEVOLCA to maintain the latest evacuation order given on the 24th. The two effusive vents that opened on the 24th on the side of the cone showing effusive (Hawaiian) behaviour and emitting lava flows have merged into one vent, exhibiting the same behaviour. The lava flow from this merged vent is fluid but has slowed, from about 80 m per hour in the night of the 24th/25th to 40 m per hour by the afternoon of the 25th. So far, it has travelled approximately 3.6 km on top of previous flows. The older flows are still active, although the front is only advancing incrementally currently. The explosivity of the strombolian activity from the main cone has decreased slightly since the afternoon of the 24th where the highest peak in the eruptive intensity so far was recorded. The activity is concentrated in the main cone through at least three strombolian vents, in addition to a new Hawaiian vent at the base of the NW sector of the main cone. Furthermore, a small rupture in the southern side of the main cone overnight noticeably altered its summit morphology.

24 Sep La Palma eruption update 24th september 2021: Increase in eruption intensity seen

An increase in explosive activity throughout the day, to the most energetic levels seen since the eruption began, has prompted the evacuation of a further 160 people to the northwest of the volcano, in Tajuya, Tacande de Abajo and those not already evacuated in Tacande de Arriba. The decision was made because of the increased risk of volcanic materials and pressure waves reaching and causing damage in areas outside of the current exclusion zone. In particular, this related to the opening of two new effusive vents as well as a fracture in the NW flank of the main cone, which could destabilise the cone and increase the risk of a sector collapse. The two new effusive vents emit fluid lava flows, that travel faster than previous flows but flow over the top of previous flows. In total, the number of evacuees has now reached 6,000. Latest estimates of damage indicate up to 400 buildings affected by the lava flows.

23 Sep La Palma eruption update 23rd september 2021: 300 homes already affected by the lava flows

The two lava flow fronts, one to the north and one to the south, continue to advance slowly. The maximum length of the flow is now 3,800 m, with 2,100 m to go to reach the sea, and the flows now cover 220 hectares in total. The northern front moves at approximately 1 m per hour and is up to 12 m thick, whereas the southern front moves faster, at 4-5 m per hour. Current estimates of damage include about 300 homes already affected by the lava flows. The eruptive activity continues to show a strombolian mechanism, although with a more explosive and ash-rich behaviour. This more energetic activity is mirrored in the plume height, which is measured at around 4,500 m compared to 3,000 m on previous days, and the SO2 emissions, which are estimated at over 12,000 tons per day. Changes in the wind direction and increased height of the plume have led to the dispersal of ash eastwards towards Santa Cruz de La Palma and La Palma airport, causing disruption to its operations for the first time since the eruption began.

22 Sep La Palma eruption update 22nd september 2021: Lava covers 140 hectares

Due to cooling and the infilling of topographic lows, the lava flow fronts have slowed significantly, and now advance at around 4 metres per hour. The total area affected by the lava flow stands at 140 hectares, with the flow fronts measuring 600 metres across. The episode of increased explosiveness that began at 7pm local time on the 21st ended at 2am local time and coincided with a small collapse of a portion of the cone. Strombolian activity continues producing both ash and lava flows from multiple vents in the vicinity of a principal cone that has formed around the most active vents. In the current state, up to 9 vents along one fissure have been observed by the authorities, although on average only 4 of these are active at any one time. This activity is emitting over 12,000 tons of SO2 per day up to 3000 m, although the amount of SO2 released per day is thought to be an underestimate according to PEVOLCA, as such ground-based measurements cannot be used to observe the full extent of the plume, unlike satellite observations.

21 Sep La Palma eruption update 21st September 2021: Lava slowly advances

As the eruption enters its third day, no casualties or personal injuries from the eruption continue to be reported. However, the first provisional damage assessment has been published which estimates that 185 buildings have been affected, 63 of which are homes according to the Land Registry. The lava flow now has two fronts; a northern front which is closer to Todoque, and a southern front which is largely stopped for the moment. The advance of the active flow front is slowing relative to previous days, however.

20 Sep La Palma eruption update 20th September 2021: Multiple vents are active

The new eruption continues with strombolian activity and lava flows being produced from 4 vents along an eruptive fissure, although a principal cone has been formed. The opening of new vents cannot be ruled out, with the final active vent opening at 7:56 pm local time and showing a more effusive character. The lava flows have reached halfway to the sea, although the flow fronts have slowed markedly relative to their initial velocity. Latest estimates give a velocity of 200 metres per hour, and they are expected to reach the town of Todoque within the next couple of days. However, it is uncertain when the flows will reach the sea, although the maritime authorities have extended the oceanic exclusion zone to two nautical miles, for security as well as safety reasons. The exclusion zone has also been extended to include Tacande in the municipality of El Paso as a new eruptive vent 900 metres from the main one has opened, forcing the evacuation of more people, moving the total number of evacuees to approximately 5,500. As well as people, a priority of the authorities is to transfer livestock out of the path of the eruption, including 400 goats in addition to pigs and cattle so far.

19 Sep La Palma update 19th September 2021: Fissure eruption begins near Las Manchas

At 15:12 local time, a basaltic fissure eruption began, with the coordinates of the first emission point being 28º36’N, 17º52’W. The eruption has shown phreatomagmatic pulses, especially during the first few hours, characterised by ash-and-steam-rich plumes, which reached heights of 1500-3000 m, although predominantly shows a typical strombolian mechanism. Initial estimates indicate the SO2 emissions from the activity could be between 6,000-9,000 tons per day.

18 Sep La Palma update 18th September 2021: Very shallow seismicity continues

A PEVOLCA meeting today chaired by Justice, Security and Public Administrations Minister Julio Pérez on the evolution of the seismic activity on La Palma covered among other things advancing actions for a possible future evacuation of the population in the affected municipalities of Fuencaliente, Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso and Villa de Mazo. The Cabildo de La Palma, who were in attendance, have activated their island-wide PEINPAL Emergency Plan as a preventative measure. Furthermore, an observation flight over La Palma has been coordinated for the monitoring of the ongoing activity. As well as the island-wide emergency plans, the town councils of the affected municipalities (Fuencaliente, Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso and Villa de Mazo) have also activated their local emergency plans.