06 Nov La Palma eruption update 6th November 2021: Increase in tremor and lava emission seen in the evening

There has been minimal evolution in the last few days with regards to the visible eruptive activity and the progress of the lava flows. The furthest south flow, number 11, is almost inactive, although an increased contribution of lava was seen affecting flow number 3 slightly further north, causing some small overflows of the channel. Additionally, a generally increase of lava emission rate was observed at around 6pm local time. Elsewhere, the appearance of yellow-green sulphur deposits on the main cone has been noted, which have formed because of favourable cooling conditions that produce these deposits.

05 Nov La Palma eruption update 5th November 2021: Seismicity and tremor have decreased in the last few days

The eruption continues to show variable strombolian activity, with multiple more explosive vents in the main cone, and a more effusive lava emission vent on the NW flanks of the main cone. The lava flows continue to flow across existing flows in the centre and south of the lava flow field, with minimal new land being affected at this time. Nonetheless, work continues on a second access road to Puerto Naos for large tonnage vehicles in the event the LP-211 road is cut off by lava flows in the south. Seismicity continues to decrease relative to the last week, with 37 earthquakes being recorded mostly at intermediate (10-15 km) depths, with the day’s largest earthquake being a mbLg 3.8 event at 35 km depth. Favourable meteorological conditions for air quality and the operation of the airport continue.

04 Nov La Palma eruption update 4th November 2021: Currently the lava flows are growing very slowly

Many active lava flows persist to the south of the lava flow field with a variable contribution from the main cone, although almost all of the flows are contained within previous lava channels or tubes, with only small local overflows of lava. The extent of the lava flows has only grown by 2 hectares since yesterday, and now totals 983 hectares.

03 Nov La Palma eruption update 3rd November 2021: The LP-211 access road is threatened by a new lava stream

The eruption continues to show a mixed strombolian mechanism, with explosive phases producing pyroclastics deposits and more effusive phases producing lava flows, as well as pulses of phreatomagmatic activity. There are multiple active strombolian vents in the main cone, with a lava emission vent being located on the NW flank of the main cone, with the activity of the latter being variable.

02 Nov La Palma eruption update 2nd November 2021: Some schooling suspended due to poor air quality

ue to the continued ashfall and low-level temperatures inversion causing poor air quality with respect to PM10 on the western side of the island, PEVOLCA have maintained the suspension of schooling in El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane, Tazacorte, Puntagorda and Tijarafe. They will also continue the distribution of face masks and glasses to the population to mitigate the poor air quality.

01 Nov La Palma eruption update 1st November 2021: Poor air quality persists in Los Llanos de Aridane

Due to the increased ashfall in the north and west of the island with the increased ash emission, which was especially bad in Los Llanos de Aridane, new recommendations were brought in for the town. These are separate from the current lighter recommendations also in place in other ash-affected towns El Paso, Tazacorte, Tijarafe and Puntagorda, and advise the residents to reduce outdoor activities wherever possible, and wear FFP2 masks if they do have to go outside.

31 Oct La Palma eruption update 31st october 2021: Increased lava emission has been seen in the last 24-48 hours

In the last 24-48 hours, an intensification has been observed in the eruptive process with increased rates of emission of lava from the NW flank of the main cone, as well as periods of more intense explosive activity and ash emission accompanied with audible explosions and visible shockwaves. Regarding the lava flows, the flow to the south of the lava flow field is currently heading south and not towards the sea for now. The rest of the active lava flows run through previously covered areas in channels, contributing to the thickening of these flows. Some sections of the original flows have been estimated at >30 m thick. Despite the uptick in activity, earthquake activity has decreased relative to previous days and remains at levels similar to the 30th. 99 events were recorded mostly at intermediate depths (10-15 km), although again the day’s most powerful earthquake was deeper, a 5.0 mbLg earthquake, this time at 38 km depth.

30 Oct La Palma eruption update 30th october 2021: Lava flows affect new land to the south of the flow field

The lava emission centre on the northwest flank of the main cone continues to feed a branched stream, with one branched travelling west, and another travelling southwest. The most fluid of these flows is the latter, which has exceeded fronts of the original flows and has advanced 1,500 m in the last 24 hours over new land at the southern extent of the lava flow field and has reached the low coastal plain near Las Hoyas. The width of the lava flows has now exceeded 3,000 m because of the advance of this flow, and the total area affected by the lava flows now stands at 964 hectares. Earthquakes continued to be observed at high magnitudes at intermediate depths (10-15 km) with some large earthquakes at deeper depths (35-40 km), although at a lower frequency than previous days. 105 events were recorded, peaking at 5.0 mbLg at 37 km depth, which was the most powerful earthquake since the eruption began.

29 Oct La Palma eruption update 29th october 2021: Earthquakes remain at high magnitude and frequency

To counter potential road disruption from the influx of tourists the weekend for All Saints’ Day on the 1st November, the authorities have launched a shuttle bus service from Breña Baja on the east of the island to the area of the eruption for tourists. People using private vehicles must not use the LP-3 road, to keep it free for emergency services, residents, public transport and military vehicles. The volcano remains in the same behaviour pattern in the last few days with high lava effusion rates from the NW flank of the main cone, which has shown some stability as well over the last couple of days. At noon however, there was a more intense period of ash emissions and audible explosions for several hours, which could be caused by intense degassing according to PEVOLCA. The most active lava flow, to the south of the original flows, has advanced 900 m in the last 24 hours over new ground. At the current rate, it could threaten the road that connects Puerto Naos to towns further south of the lava flows. Earthquakes remain at a high magnitude and frequency at intermediate (10-15 km) depths. 185 events were recorded, peaking at mbLg 3.7.

28 Oct La Palma eruption update 28th october 2021: Over 900 hectares now affected by the lava flows

The lava emission predominantly feeds three different lava streams, with two of these affecting new ground. One of these is the flow to the south of La Laguna Mountain, which is now 86 m from the cliffs, and the other affecting new ground to the south of the original flows near Camino de Aniceto. The final active flow is feeding the lava delta, which is advancing underwater. The area affected now exceeds 900 ha, with the total width of the lava flows exceeding 2,900 m. Seismicity remains at similar levels to previous days, with high frequencies and magnitudes being recorded in the same area at 10-15km depth. 195 events were recorded, peaking at 4.2 mbLg.