Thousands Flee Canaries Volcano As Lava Streams Destroy Homes

At least 5,500 people have been evacuated and at least 100 houses destroyed after Lava flowing from the Canary Islands’ first volcanic eruption in 50 years.

The flow of molten rock was expected to reach the coast later on Monday evening, potentially triggering more explosions, and the volcano itself would remain active for days.

The volcano erupted on Sunday, shooting lava hundreds of metres into the air, engulfing forests and sending molten rock towards the Atlantic Ocean over a sparsely populated area of La Palma.

No fatalities or injuries have been reported but drone footage captured two tongues of black lava cutting a devastating swathe through the landscape as they advanced down the volcano’s western flank towards the sea.

Authorities have not given an updated tally of how many properties have been destroyed since the head of La Palma’s local government gave an estimate of 100 early on Monday.

Regional leader Angel Victor Torres said the damage would be substantial.

In the meantime, Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said the eruption was wonderful show which would attract more tourists. The comments were criticised by the opposition at a time when many residents hadlost their homes.