Erupting Spanish island volcano blows open new fissure
ABC News
An erupting volcano on a Spanish island off northwest Africa has blown open another fissure on its hillside
MADRID -- An erupting volcano on a Spanish island off northwest Africa blew open another fissure on its hillside Friday as authorities recorded eight new earthquakes up to magnitude 3.5.
The new fissure is the third to crack open since the Cumbre Vieja crater erupted on La Palma island on Sept. 19. The prompt evacuation of more than 6,000 people so far has prevented casualties.
Authorities were waiting to see whether lava from the new fissure would join the main flow, which has reached the Atlantic Ocean.
Officials were monitoring air quality along the shoreline where the molten rock meets the ocean. Sulfur dioxide levels in the area rose but did not represent a health threat, La Palma’s government said.
