An increase of ash emission has been observed, which could affect air quality to the north and west of the eruption. A slight reconfiguration of the lava flows means that flow 9, to the south of the lava delta, now has the largest contribution of lava and that flows 1 and 2 feeding the lava delta have a lower contribution of lava compared to previous days. The lava now covers 1,020 hectares, and the flow field is 3,100 m wide at its maximum. According to the land registry, 1,460 buildings have been affected including 1,181 homes, although these values are much lower than those estimated by the Copernicus EMS satellite data. Regarding earthquakes the frequency and magnitude remained fairly low. 37 events were recorded, with similar amounts at both intermediate (10-15 km) and deeper (30-45 km) depths, with the day’s largest earthquake being a mbLg 4.7 event at 37 km depth.

SO2 emissions remain in the range of the previous days, at 12,000-15,000 tons per day, whilst the ash and gas plume again reached 3,100 m. However, satellite measurements imply current SO2 emissions show a downward trend since the start of the eruption. Tremor continues to be stable at low levels as in the last days, and variable deformation continues to be seen at the LP03 GPS station in Jedey closest to the eruption, with a trend towards regional deflation at the other stations. Regarding air quality, SO2 levels were at good or reasonably good levels in all stations except Los Llanos where fair values were recorded, and Puntagorda where the daily threshold (125 μg/m³) was exceeded. Regarding PM10 levels, improvements were seen in Los Llanos, with good levels recorded at all stations across the island although the levels in Los Llanos increased towards late evening.

(Above) A video of lava flows cascading down the cliffs and contributing to the growth of the lava delta. Video credit: INVOLCAN

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