In the first official assessment of the classification of the eruption based on its size, the authorities have announced that the eruption is a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) 2 eruption. This classification is based solely on the cumulative amount of material emitted by the volcano so far, and as such the VEI may increase as the eruption continues for longer. Several active strombolian vents are still observed in the main cone, as well as two vents on the NW sector of the flank of the main cone, one of which was the site of the partial collapse observed on the evening of the 3^rd. The two effusive vents further away from the main vent that opened on the 1^st October show less activity than previous days. The fumarole field on the flanks of the main cone is still observed, although is relatively weakened. The active lava flows largely continue to cover ground covered by earlier flows aside from breakouts further away from the cone, and the presence of lava tubes have also been confirmed which allows the transport of more fluid lava. The affected area has increased to 413 hectares, and the maximum width of the flow field is now 1,250 m.

The meteorological conditions remain favourable in terms of air quality, and this is reflected in SO2 and PM10 concentrations. Low SO2 levels are seen across all stations except Los Llanose de Aridane where sporadic peaks are seen, and PM10 threshold levels have not been exceeded in any of the stations. Regarding deformation, the distal stations still show a slight downward trend, although vertical stability is now seen in the proximal stations. Earthquake activity continues to be concentrated near where the precursory seismic swarm began on the 11^th September, but with a relatively high number of events. 98 earthquakes were recorded, peaking at 3.7 mbLg. The ash plume height was, 4500 m, and the SO2 emissions were measured at 1,200 tons per day.

The latest progress of the lava flows as of the 3rd October. They are largely confined to the same areas, except for small breakouts and thickening. Image credit: Copernicus EMS

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