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ARCHIVED - La Palma airport closed due to ash cloud
The ferry service has been extended to alleviate the pressure on the Canary Island
La Palma airport has been forced to close on Thursday October 7 due to the accumulation of ash landing on the runway, according to AENA, and all flights have now been cancelled as a precaution. The rest of the airports in the Canary Islands are still operating as normal.
Despite an increase in seismic activity and earthquakes in recent days, the Spanish Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the La Palma volcano is stable for the time being after first erupting on Sunday September 19. The lava delta created when the volcanic material met the sea continues to grow and has now covered an area of around 38 hectares.
Así se ve la entrada de lava al océano a las 15,00 hora canaria / Here is the view of the lava ocean entry at 15,00 Canarian time pic.twitter.com/rcRe52mc4j
— INVOLCAN (@involcan) October 6, 2021
At the same time, the emission of volcanic ash has now reached a height of 3,000 metres and winds are pushing it towards the northeast of the island, prompting Binter and Canaryfly, the two airlines that operate flights between La Palma and the other islands, to suspend flights since Wednesday.
As a result, Naviera Armas Trasmediterranea, who operate passenger and cargo ferries between the islands and mainland Spain, have reported that it is increasing its trips to twice daily crossings between Monday and Friday, while one ferry will travel on Saturdays and Sundays.
Meanwhile, the wave of solidarity towards those affected by the volcanic eruption continues and so far, more than 4.1 million euros has been raised, according to the Cabildo de La Palma. In addition, an online auction began on Wednesday run by the Spanish Football Federation which will sell signed jerseys from the national team to raise funds.
Image: Involcan
