In Pics | La Palma volcano in Spain's Canary Islands spews ash in new eruption

La Palma volcano began again spewing out ash after a brief pause in the Canary Islands, Spain. The coastal residents are confined to their homes over fears of toxic gases as the lava hits the sea. Earlier, La Cumbre Vieja, which straddles a southern ridge in La Palma in the Atlantic archipelago, erupted on September 19, spewing out rivers of lava which have slowly crept towards the sea.

A volcano began again spewing out ash after a brief lull in the Canary Islands on September 27, where coastal residents are confined to their homes over fears of toxic gases when the lava hits the sea. Credit: Reuters Photo

La Cumbre Vieja, which straddles a southern ridge in La Palma in the Atlantic archipelago, erupted on September 19, spewing out rivers of lava which have slowly crept towards the sea. Credit: Reuters Photo

The lava and ash flow had earlier stopped, and the week-long rumble of the eruption faded to silence, before resuming its activity on September 27. Credit: Reuters Photo

Smoke had continued to emerge from the top during the lull. Credit: Reuters Photo

Overnight, the inhabitants of several coastal areas were ordered to stay at home to avoid harm from the release of toxic gases when the lava finally reaches the sea, a process which has been much slower than expected. Credit: Reuters Photo

Experts said the entry of lava into the seawater will send clouds of toxic gas into the air, causing explosions and a fragmentation of the molten rock like gunshots. Credit: Reuters Photo

Experts said the vapours were only dangerous to those in the immediate area, with the authorities setting up a two-kilometre (1.2-mile) exclusion zone to head off curious onlookers. Credit: AFP Photo

Lava flows and smoke rises following the eruption of a volcano on the Canary Island of La Palma, in Todoque, Spain on September 28, 2021. Credit: Reuters Photo

Lava is seen from La Laguna, following the eruption of a volcano on the Canary Island of La Palma, Spain. Credit: Reuters Photo