Lava shoots into the sky as La Palma volcano keeps thousands from their homes

LA PALMA, Spain: Jets of red hot lava shot high into the sky on the Spanish island of La Palma on Thursday morning as toxic ash from the Cumbre Vieja volcano coated the surrounding area and authorities sought shelter for thousands of people forced to flee.

For a fifth day, lava flowing down the slopes of the volcano engulfed houses, schools and banana plantations, although more slowly than in previous days.

"Everything that started on Sunday as something out of the ordinary, something beautiful to watch, turned into a tragedy the next day," said Nancy Ferreiro, who owns a local jewellery business. "I have many friends there, families who have lost everything. Our hearts are broken."