The lava emitted by the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma, has slowed down in the last hours after the collapse of the upper part of the volcanic cone.
The lava had reached speeds of between 250 and 300 metres at the time; as reported yesterday by the Government of the Canary Islands.
Changes in emission points
The director of the National Geography Institute (IGN) in the Canary Islands reported there are at least three simultaneous emission points in the crater. Further, the two points that appeared on Friday at the base of the cone, have melted into a single emissions point.
To these emission points is added one more on the volcanic cone, as well as two active lava flows; the oldest of them almost stopped. At the moment there are almost 6,000 evacuated residents. Some 400 buildings and infrastructure are damaged or lost.
The scientific committee of the Canary Islands Volcanic Emergency Plan (Pevolca) reported the fissure eruption continues to show a strombolian mechanism. It is currently concentrating its activity in the volcanic cone.
Read about the lasting effect of lava flows
Explosive activity could be repeated
The eruptive process over time has shown episodes of increased explosive activity that can be repeated. However, seismicity continues at low levels, although the possibility of felt seismicity is not ruled out. Long-term tremors are still recorded, associated to explosive activity. Indeed, the occurrence of acid rain on La Palma in the next few hours is ruled out.
