Fear Of Poisonous Gas When La Palma Lava Reaches The Ocean

Lava from an erupting volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma has reached the Atlantic and caused fears of toxic gases and explosions.

Clouds of white vapor have been observed rising when a glowing current comes in contact with water in the Playa Nueva area.

This can cause a chemical reaction with chlorine that can irritate the skin and eyes, and affect breathing.

Hundreds of homes were destroyed following the eruption of the CumbreVieja volcano in the Canary Islands on September 19.

About 6,000 people were evacuated when the lava hit homes, schools and several banana plantations.

• Miracle House escapes lava in the Canary Islands.
• "In the background you can hear a volcanic eruption".
• Hundreds more evacuated as Lava approaches the sea.

Lava reached the sea late Tuesday, the Canary Islands Volcanic Institute Involcan tweeted.

There are also fears that parts of the beach could now collapse and cause an explosion.

Three coastal villages had previously been closed due to the contact of the lava with the water.

Spanish authorities have declared La Palma, a northwestern island archipelago off the coast of North Africa, as a disaster area and pledged financial support to all affected by volcanic activity.