Lava from La Palma eruption reaches the Atlantic ocean; See Pics

A bright red river of lava from the volcano on Spain's La Palma island finally tumbled over a cliff and into the Atlantic Ocean, setting off huge plumes of steam and possibly toxic gases that required local residents outside the evacuation zone to remain indoors. The meeting of molten rock merged with sea water on September 29 evening. By daybreak, a widening promontory of newborn land could be seen forming under plumes of steam rising high into the area.

A bright red river of lava from the volcano on Spain's La Palma Island tumbled over a cliff and into the Atlantic Ocean, setting off huge plumes of steam and possibly toxic gases that required local residents outside the evacuation zone to remain indoors. Credit: Reuters Photo

The immediate area had been evacuated for several days as authorities waited over a week for the lava that began erupting September 19 to traverse the 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) to the island's edge. Credit: AP Photo

On the way down from the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge, the flows have consumed at least 656 buildings, mostly homes that turned out to be in its unstoppable march to the sea. Credit: AP Photo

The meeting of molten rock merged with sea water on September 29 evening. By daybreak, a widening promontory of newborn land could be seen forming under plumes of steam rising high into the area. Credit: Reuters Photo

Even though their initial readings of the air quality showed no danger in the area, experts had warned that the arrival of the lava at the ocean would likely produce small explosions and release toxic gases that could damage lungs. Credit: AP Photo

No deaths or serious injuries have been reported from the island's first eruption in 50 years, thanks to the prompt evacuations of over 6,000 people in the first hours after the earth cracked open following weeks of tremors. Credit: Reuters Photo

Lava is seen through the window of a kitchen from El Paso following the eruption of a volcano on the Canary Island of La Palma, Spain. Credit: Reuters Photo

A woman watches from Tijarafe as lava flows into the sea following the eruption of a volcano on the Canary Island of La Palma, Spain. Credit: Reuters Photo

Smoke rises following the eruption of a volcano, in the Port of Tazacorte, on the Canary Island of La Palma, Spain. Credit: Reuters Photo