Geological experts captured unique video footage of the moment a new island was formed in the Atlantic Ocean as volcanic lava from the Spanish island of La Palma accumulated in the water. The Spanish Geological Survey published clips of the lava flowing from La Palma to the sea, before it formed a small new island in the heart of the ocean. As the lava touches the water's surface, it begins to cool while continuously emitting smoke, appearing to need more time to solidify.
On Saturday, Spanish authorities ordered several thousand residents of La Palma to stay indoors due to deteriorating air quality amid the ongoing eruption of the "Cumbri Vieja" volcano, which continues to spew lava and thick black smoke. The emergency services issued a closure order on Friday evening for residents of Los Llanos de Aridane and El Paso, the two most affected towns.
Emergency services stated in a press release that "the new closure is a result of weather conditions that prevent gas dispersal, keeping it at low elevations," adding that the closure would affect about 3,500 people. Authorities requested residents to stay indoors and turn off heating and air conditioning units to prevent outside air from entering.
Authorities had previously imposed closures in the areas of San Borondón, Marina Alta, Marina Baja, and La Condesa. Approximately 6,000 people have been evacuated from their homes since the volcano began erupting on September 19. The volcano has destroyed over 800 buildings on the island, which is home to about 83,000 residents and is part of the Canary Islands archipelago.
