Further evacuations as lava flow changes direction and quakes intensify

Residents in parts of Los Llanos de Aridane and Tazacorte on the island of La Palma were ordered to evacuate their homes last night, due to a change in direction of one of the lava flows.

At around 9pm local time, the alert was issued for people to leave their homes due to one of the lava flows moving in a northwesterly direction. Around 40 homes are affected by the current evacuation order in force for Las Martelas, Marina Alta, Marina Baja, La Condesa and Cuesta Zapata.

Scientists have warned that the strength of earthquakes may increase in the coming weeks.

Yesterday saw a new strongest quake recorded, as a 4.8 magnitude quake was recorded shortly before 10pm at a depth of 38km in the Villa de Mazo area – however people across the island and some in the north of Tenerife reported feeling the tremor.

Meanwhile two portable desalination plants are expected to start pumping fresh water for irrigation supplies this weekend. Testing on the systems was started yesterday and it is hoped that the emergency water system will start working properly on Saturday.

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