As the Cumbre Vieja volcano on one of the Spanish Canary Islands spews a steady stream of lava, emergency workers continue evacuation efforts and attempt to divert the lava’s unstoppable flow.
The Canary Islands, an archipelago that lies just west of the southern coast of Morocco, is a long-standing tourist destination. Roughly 6,000 people have vacated La Palma, one of the smaller and lesser-populated islands that is also home to Cumbre Vieja.
Fire and lava from the eruption, which began earlier this week, have destroyed at least 320 homes, as well as swimming pools and vineyards. Also at risk are the island’s banana crops, which typically generate a large portion of La Palma’s income. According to ABC News, banana crops provide jobs for more than 10,000 people on an island with a population of 85,000.
Authorities have not reported any deaths or injuries due to the eruption, thus far. Some residents of the villages close to the volcano were allowed to return home to retrieve personal belongings, under the supervision of emergency services.
The lava’s progress towards the Atlantic Ocean was slowed when it encountered flatter terrain on Tuesday and emergency workers attempted to detour the flow away from the nearby village of Todoque.