As lava from the Cumbre Vieja volcano approaches the sea, residents along the eastern shore of Spain's La Palma island were put on lockdown Wednesday.
Canary Islands emergency services warned tonight that today's 1250°C lava might touch the Atlantic Ocean, creating explosions and pouring clouds of hazardous chemicals over the island.
"The Canary Islands volcano emergency committee orders the lockdown of San Borondon, Marina Alta, Marina Baja, and La Condesa," they tweeted, "given the possibility that lava will reach the sea in the coming hours on the coastal area of Tazacorte, and in anticipation of possible emissions of gas harmful to health."
"Until the situation can be assessed in the morning," they continued, "the population should follow the authorities' instructions and remain at home, with doors and windows closed."
According to emergency services, the lava passed through the southwestern village of Todoque, which had been evacuated a few days before and was only 1.6 kilometers from La Palma's coast.
Authorities have also advised inhabitants within a five-kilometer radius of the volcano to take further measures in the event of future explosive eruptions that might shatter glass.
Binter Canarias, the Canary Islands' primary airline, said yesterday that flights to and from La Palma airport would remain suspended while the situation is monitored.
According to Spain's airport operator, AENA, all other flight traffic at the airport was also canceled yesterday morning.
The volcano has erupted for the ninth day in a row, forcing about 6000 people to flee their homes, destroying hundreds of homes, and destroying the island's economically vital banana plantations.
According to Reuters drone, a swift river of red hot lava flowed down the slopes of the crater, passing close to residences, and swaths of land and structures were swallowed by a black mass of slower-moving, older lava footage.
According to the European Union satellite monitoring program Copernicus, the lava flow has devoured more than 230 hectares, devouring hundreds of homes and highways, schools, and churches and driving thousands to flee.
Since the volcano erupted, no deaths or significant injuries have been reported, but roughly 15% of the island's banana harvest may be in jeopardy, putting thousands of jobs in danger.
