The eruption is not stabilized even though the lava has reached the sea
The lava, which runs down the cliff next to Los Guirres beach, has created a delta that extends south
The Steering Committee of the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Assistance for Volcanic Risk of the Canary Islands (PEVOLCA), chaired by its director and counselor of Public Administrations, Justice and Security of the Government of the Canary Islands, Julio Pérez, agreed this Wednesday to maintain all the devices of civil protection and security despite the fact that last night the lava reached the sea , since scientists do not see evidence that the dynamics of the eruptive process is stable, so they continue to monitor and take measures related to this process .
For this reason, the PEVOLCA technical director, Rubén Fernández - who will relieve Miguel Ángel Morcuende for 48 hours - announced that the maritime and land exclusion zones will be maintained, the evacuation of the neighbors decreed last week and the confinement from the population centers of San Borondón, Marina Alta, Marina Baja and La Condesa to guarantee their complete safety. "We are constantly conducting studies and monitoring and until we know that these areas are out of risk, these measures will be maintained."
Rubén Fernández said that the return of some neighbors will be allowed to collect belongings and feed the animals, but always under strict control of the Civil Guard and outside the exclusion perimeter of 2.5 kilometers. Likewise, starting tomorrow, irrigators will be authorized to access their farms in El Remo, Puerto Naos and Las Hoyas for irrigation tasks by means of a security convoy of the Civil Guard and the UME provided that, after their measurements , can ensure that the air quality allows this activity to be carried out.
The area affected by the eruption is approximately 476 hectares, and according to data from the Copernicus satellite, there are 744 buildings damaged: 656 in their entirety and 88 partially, including homes, warehouses and tool rooms, among others.
As for air quality, so far they have not exceeded the permitted values required by current legislation. The values issued by the different stations are available on the website of the Government of the Canary Islands and any variation that poses a risk to the population will be communicated by the management of the Plan. However, due to the ashes, the use of FFP2 masks is recommended throughout the Aridane Valley environment.
Regarding the evacuees, he pointed out that 185 people continue to be rehoused in the Teneguía Princess Hotel in Fuencaliente and that there are currently no people housed in the El Fuerte barracks, although it is operational. Fernández also stressed the importance of not relaxing sanitary measures regarding
COVID-19, that is, maintaining a safe distance and reinforcing the use of masks.
Finally, he specified that the emergency services are collaborating in the rescue of animals that have been isolated, but always respecting the security perimeter.
The director of the National Geographic Institute (IGN) in the Canary Islands, María José Blanco, explained that the cloud of gases originating after the lava reached the sea is limited to the contact area, has not spread laterally, and has not affected any population.
In addition, regarding the seismicity registered in the Fuencaliente area, he pointed out that it is evident that it is related to the emission in progress, but that the volcanic system has an open exhaust valve and does not have the need to look for a new path to the Earth's surface. In this sense, he explained that we cannot forget that, in the case of the eruption of the underwater volcano of El Hierro, seismicity began in the El Golfo area in
July and advanced across the island from north to south, ending in an eruption in the Mar de Las Calmas. “Once the eruption had started, seismicity resumed in the El Golfo area, with magnitudes even greater than the pre-eruptions. Therefore, this is a behavior that has already occurred and it is not objectionable that it may occur in this eruption of Cumbre Vieja ”.
SCIENTIFIC COMITTEE
Before the meeting of the PEVOLCA Steering Committee, the Scientific Committee of the Plan met in which its members presented their conclusions on the evolution of the eruptive phenomenon since yesterday.
This Scientific Committee is coordinated by the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands and is made up of representatives of the National Geographic Institute (IGN), Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (Involcan), the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME), State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), University of La Laguna and University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Such conclusions were: “The fissure eruption continues to show a strombolian mechanism with an effusive prevalence for two days in the emission center of the north flank. At 11:00 p.m. after crossing the Todoque mountain to the south, the lava flow came into contact with the sea in the area of Playa de Los Guirres. The active stream maintains a continuous cascading flow and a lava delta is forming at the base of the cliff, extending southward. In the area of contact, clouds of water vapor and other possibly toxic gases are being produced, which are concentrated in a small area around the contact. Along the fronts of this active wash that has reached the sea, significant advances can be made. Although the active laundry has reached the sea, the eruptive process continues its activity. The rest of the washes are practically inactive.
The eruptive process can show episodes of increased and decreased strombolian activity, as well as pulses with phreatomagmatic activity.
The morphology of the cone changes repeatedly due to the successive processes of growth and reconfiguration.
The height measured today of the ash and gas column is 3,500 m. Regarding the meteorological conditions, the anticyclonic situation continues with winds at low levels from the moderate northeast, which will be strong on the southeast coast and on the northwest slope, with probable gusts that could reach 75 km / h. In the area near the eruption, due to the orographic effect on the west slope, prevalence of breezes according to the diurnal cycle (sea-land direction during the day and vice versa at night) except in the El Paso area, where it is expected East component with probable occasional peak gust values between 65 and 75 km / h. At levels between 1500 to 3000 meters the wind will be from the northeast between 35 to 45 km / h turning southeast at the end of the period. Above this stratum (between 3,000 to 5. 000 meters) northwest wind turning south with intensities around 30 km / h. The wind configuration described above will move the ash cloud and S02 from the current position, south of the eruption area to the northwest of the volcano. Due to the turn of the wind during the next hours, fine ash could reach the island of El Hierro during the afternoon-night today. This disposition of the wind at the end of the period would mean a lesser impact on the operation of the Canarian airports and airspace. Presence of thermal inversion, of about 5 or 6 ° C, will remain around 1,300-1,500 meters. Probability of weak and occasional rains, especially in the northeastern midlands, throughout the forecast period. The wind configuration described above will move the ash cloud and S02 from the current position, south of the eruption area to the northwest of the volcano. Due to the turn of the wind during the next hours, fine ash could reach the island of El Hierro during the afternoon-night today. This disposition of the wind at the end of the period would mean a lesser impact on the operation of the Canarian airports and airspace. Presence of thermal inversion, of about 5 or 6 ° C, will remain around 1,300-1,500 meters. Probability of weak and occasional rains, especially in the northeastern midlands, throughout the forecast period. The wind configuration described above will move the ash cloud and S02 from the current position, south of the eruption area to the northwest of the volcano. Due to the turn of the wind during the next hours, fine ash could reach the island of El Hierro during the afternoon-night today. This disposition of the wind at the end of the period would mean a lesser impact on the operation of the Canarian airports and airspace. Presence of thermal inversion, of about 5 or 6 ° C, will remain around 1,300-1,500 meters. Probability of weak and occasional rains, especially in the northeastern midlands, throughout the forecast period. Fine ash could reach the island of El Hierro during the afternoon-night today. This disposition of the wind at the end of the period would mean a lesser impact on the operation of the Canarian airports and airspace. Presence of thermal inversion, of about 5 or 6 ° C, will remain around 1,300-1,500 meters. Probability of weak and occasional rains, especially in the northeastern midlands, throughout the forecast period. Fine ash could reach the island of El Hierro during the afternoon-night today. This disposition of the wind at the end of the period would mean a lesser impact on the operation of the Canarian airports and airspace. Presence of thermal inversion, of about 5 or 6 ° C, will remain around 1,300-1,500 meters. Probability of weak and occasional rains, especially in the northeastern midlands, throughout the forecast period.
Seismicity continues to be located, mainly, close to the seismicity of the first days, at depths greater than 10 km. Of the earthquakes located yesterday, 6 exceeded the magnitude of 3 mbLg, with 7 being the senses with maximum intensity III. Some shallow earthquakes are also recorded around the eruptive center. The tremor remains stable at medium levels. The deformations show a slight growth of the horizontal components in the SW direction, and of the vertical ones in the surroundings of the eruptive center.
The estimate of the emission rate of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to the atmosphere by this eruptive process during yesterday registered an increase, reaching values of 16,757 tons per day. The chemical composition of the plume is being measured with drone-mounted sensors and the results are consistent with the type of magma involved in this eruption.
Given the large thicknesses of lava flow observed in some points, collapses of its face can occur which, in steeper areas, can lead to the formation of large fragments of lava flow, which can detach from the face of the wash and that sudden reaching distances of several meters from the pouring face, depending on the topography. Also in steep areas, small pyroclastic flows can occur.
An exclusion radius of 2.5 kilometers around emission centers is recommended to minimize the risk of pyroclastic impacts and exposure to gases. It is also recommended not to approach the lava flows due to the risk of being exposed to the gases emitted, possible landslides and high temperatures. It is possible that some violent detonations could break the glass of the windows, up to a radius of 5 km from the cone. Therefore, in case of intensification of explosive activity, it is recommended to stay away from windows.
Yesterday the daily particle threshold (50 µg / m3) was exceeded at the Los Llanos mobile station. This does not imply an excess of the limits established in the regulations, but it is recommended to continue with the precautionary measures indicated in previous reports. Air quality can be monitored through the website that the Government of the Canary Islands has for this purpose .
In areas affected by intense ash fall (a clear deposition on the ground is observed) and even more so if mist is observed, it is recommended to stay indoors. Outdoors, the use of FFP2 masks and eye protection systems is also recommended. Before the arrival of ashes to other islands, it is recommended in those affected, the use of surgical masks. It is recommended to clean roofs where ash thicknesses of several centimeters accumulate. It is insisted that the ash removal procedure indicated by Civil Protection be followed precisely (moisten ash, eye protection, wear a mask, protect the skin, etc.).
Respect for the land and maritime exclusion zones remains imperative to maintain the physical integrity of people.
Continuous monitoring of activity has been strengthened and any significant changes observed will be reported. Stay tuned to the information provided by the corresponding Civil Protection authorities ”.
RED LIGHT
PEVOLCA establishes a volcanic traffic light as an alert system to the population based on four colors depending on the risk: green, yellow, orange and red. In red the mandatory evacuation of risk areas is carried out.
In this sense, you must follow the instructions and collaborate with the Security Forces in the evacuation, remain calm and do not spread unfounded rumors. In case of evacuation, the municipalities will communicate the evacuation routes and the established meeting point. It will only be evacuated when the indications are given to do so.
Recommendations include closing all exterior windows and doors, lowering blinds, and shutting off water, gas, and electricity supplies.
Carry in a backpack your documentation and medicines for daily use, mobile phone and its charger, battery-powered radio, flashlight, clothes for about three days. Only use telephones for what is strictly necessary.
You have to go to the established meeting points and if you have to go to a shelter, you have to go to the affiliation points.
The red traffic light also provides indications to protect against falling ash. Do not go near the volcano or the lava flows for any reason.
In this sense, they must remain in their homes until they have settled, unless there is danger of the roof collapsing.
Avoid going out and, if you do, cover your nose and mouth with a mask to avoid inhaling the ashes directly. You also have to protect your eyes with mask-type goggles, wear glasses instead of contact lenses, or place a damp cloth over your mouth. Also, avoid exercising outdoors.
When ash is falling, close doors, windows and all ventilation in the house (fireplaces, heating, air conditioners, etc.). Remove accumulated ash from flat roofs and rain gutters and keep water tanks and cisterns covered.
Ash must be prevented from coming into contact with food. Wash fruits and vegetables well and do not eat food outdoors.
The accumulated ash must be collected in plastic bags, deposited in containers and avoid throwing it into the public sewer. Volcanic ash consists of very fine fragments that can cause injury to the respiratory tract, eyes and open wounds, as well as irritation to the skin.
Vehicle engines should be kept off. Driving can kick up ash, engines can clog, and vehicles can break down.
In the case of feeling an
Earthquake inside a home, protect yourself under the frame of a door or a solid piece of furniture, such as a table, and stand away from the windows. If you have to leave your house, you have to avoid using the elevator and you have to disconnect water, electricity and gas.
If you are outside, stay away from tall buildings, utility poles, billboards, etc. and so it is close to the sea, you have to move away from the shore.
Likewise, given the risk of lava reaching the sea and in anticipation of possible emanations of gases that are harmful to health, it is recommended in confined areas to close doors, windows, shutters and any air intake from outside and confine, if necessary possible, in the innermost rooms of the house.
In addition, it is necessary to disconnect the ventilation and heating, interrupting any system that brings in air from outside. For added security, it is possible to seal, using adhesive tape, the joints of doors and windows.
If you are abroad, you must take into account that a vehicle is not a safe place and it is necessary to take refuge in the first building you find, an action that you must also do if you are moving on foot.
In this situation it is essential not to travel until instructions are given and only use the 1-1-2 telephone for emergency situations.
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