As the volcanic eruption on the Canary Island of La Palma intensifies, authorities prepare to evacuate 10,000 inhabitants.
At 3.10 this afternoon, the Cumbre Vieja volcanno erupted spewing ash and lava into the sky.
The volcano has been dormant for fifty years. It erupted in the area of Las Manchas in the municipality of El Paso.
Evacuation of 10,000
The emergency level has been raised to red on the island . Just before 9pm, this evening, the Guardia Civil announced they hope to have evacuated 10,000 people.
Prime Minister Sánchez postponses New York visit
The Spanish Prime Minister had been due to visit New York this week but has postponed his visit as a result of the eruption. He is heading to La Palma to learn on the ground the situation caused by the volcanic eruption that began this Sunday.
Forest fires and lava flow
The eruption is in an uninhabited mountain area causing small forest fires. The lava has crossed the road beneath the volcano.
The local authorities ask that no one come near the area. The Canarian Government requested the Ministry of Defense for the intervention of the Military Emergency Unit (UME), which will travel to the island this evening.
Air space is still open at the moment. However, airlines are being advised not to fly to La Palma.
