Recently released drone footage shows hypnotic images of the volcano in the Spanish island of La Palma as it continues to shoot sprays of lava, smoke and ash into the air.
Key points:
- The volcano began erupting a month ago
- Scientists say the eruption could last three months
- Spain’s government has pledged money to help rebuild damaged infrastructure
Hundreds of people were evacuated on Thursday night as a river of molten rock crept deeper into their town during a protracted volcanic eruption.
On Friday, two lava flows merged into one.
A total of around 7,500 people have been forced to flee since the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge began erupting more than a month ago.
Scientists say the eruption could go on for three months.
Although most of the island of 85,000 people off north-west Africa is unaffected by the eruption, part of the western side has seen the lava ruin livelihoods and destroy homes.
The molten rock has covered more than 866 hectares and crushed or damaged around 2,185 buildings.
Meanwhile, the economy of La Palma — part of Spain’s Canary Islands — is based mainly on tourism and banana-growing.
The Spanish government has pledged millions of euros to help rebuild damaged infrastructure.
AP