LA PALMA’S LAVA REACHES THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

LA PALMA’S LAVA REACHES THE ATLANTIC OCEAN | UPSC EXAM

By Justprepraj

October 2, 2021

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INTRODUCTION

As per many media sources, lava from a volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma entered the Atlantic Ocean in the early hours of September 29, 2021. On the Atlantic Ocean, the lava reached a beach known as Los Guirres.
When the lava came into touch with saltwater, enormous plumes of steam and poisonous fumes erupted. Residents living outside the evacuation zone have been advised to stay indoors and close their doors and windows to prevent inhaling polluted air. According to officials, the air has not been polluted and is still safe to breathe.
The lava has left a path of destruction that has caused many people to flee their homes, blanketing communities in ash and leaving inhabitants reeling from the disaster. In its inexorable march towards the sea, the lava path is said to have devoured about 656 structures, primarily houses. On September 19th, the volcano began erupting.

Authorities have previously warned that when the lava reaches the ocean, it may cause minor explosions and emit poisonous fumes that could harm people’s lungs. Authorities had set up a security cordon of 3.5 kilometres and advised inhabitants in the surrounding region to stay indoors and close windows to prevent breathing in fumes.
On September 28th, late at night, the lava finally hit the sea as it flowed down a cliff into the sea near Los Guirres. Though the lava path slowed as it reached the shore, the flattening of the land led it to spread, causing further destruction to neighbouring crops and communities.
The lava also reached the coastal highway, cutting off the area’s final route, which connected it to numerous communities. Because agriculture is so important to La Palma’s economy, it will have a long-term impact.
Despite timely evacuations of nearly 6,000 people in the vital initial hours following weeks of earthquakes, no deaths or major injuries have been reported as a result of the volcanic eruption, the island’s first in 50 years.

Experts say it’s too soon to say how long the volcanic outburst will persist. In the past, eruptions in the archipelago have been known to persist for weeks, even months.