SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Dec. 1 (EUROPA PRESS) –
Eruptive activity on the island of La Palma continues to be concentrated mainly on the northeast flank of the volcano, where the accumulation of pyroclasts has led to the formation of a cone with strombolian and effusive activity that emits lava flows that do not occupy new territory.
The small landslides that occurred last night inside the crater of this pyroclastic cone provide blocks that are transported by the lava flows. Likewise, in the emission sources of the main cone, activity has been scarce and intermittent, predominantly fumarolic activity.
The technical director of Pevolca, Miguel Ángel Morcuende, pointed out at a press conference that the affected area is estimated at 1,134 hectares, with a maximum width of 3,350 meters. The lava flow is circulating mainly through the northern area and through the center of the original streams, which continue to be fed by lava tubes that end up feeding the deltas, especially the northern delta.
The lava flow that is being located to the north, called number 12, is still active and moves attached or riding previous flows. On the other hand, the Pevolca is closely monitoring the energy that is being produced and affecting the casting front 8, which has been stopped for a month more than 800 meters from the center of La Laguna and could move again , always depending on the thrust that comes from the emission center.
The number of people housed in hotel centers stands at 533, which is 4 less than yesterday. Of the total, 422 are staying at the Princess hotel in Fuencaliente and 71 at the Valle de Aridane hotel in Los Llanos and 40 at the H10 Taburiente Playa hotel in Los Cancajos, Breña Baja. In addition, there are 43 dependent people cared for in insular health centers.
The technical director has once again insisted on the Civil Protection recommendations for visitors who approach the areas near the volcano, so that they exercise extreme caution and always wear reflective vests. In addition, visitors and residents are urged not to lower their guard against the coronavirus and maintain the protection measures established by the health authorities, such as the use of masks, hand washing and interpersonal distance.
INCREASE IN SEISMICITY.
The spokesperson for the Scientific Committee, María José Blanco, stressed that for two days there has been an increase in the number of earthquakes, especially at intermediate depths, between 10 and 15 km, located in the same areas. The number of earthquakes at depths greater than 20 km has also increased. The tremor continues at medium values, but with abrupt changes in level, and the deformation presents a general stability in all seasons.
The height of the column measured today has been 3,500 meters and the water vapor development cloud reaches 5,200 meters. Regarding the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) associated with the volcanic plume, it continues at values similar to those of yesterday and continues the downward trend that began on September 23.
In relation to meteorology, there is a forecast of surface winds from the east-northeast that may be influenced by local breezes. From 2,000 to 5,000 meters there will be a northwesterly wind that will roll to the east from 2,000 meters throughout the day and with an intensification of speed as the altitude increases.
The dispersion of the ash cloud and sulfur dioxide will be in a south-southeast direction, later rolling south-southwest, especially in the afternoon, which will favor the operation of La Palma Airport.
Rainfall will be occasional and weak, especially to the northeast, with possible showers. In addition, the possibility of entry of Saharan dust continues from Saturday, which will disappear on Sunday and will re-enter on Monday, although weakly and with a short duration.
Regarding air quality, yesterday neither the hourly nor daily limit value was exceeded in any of the stations. Today’s morning levels are ‘good’ in all seasons. The air quality index due to SO2 experienced a general improvement yesterday, reaching ‘good’ levels in all the stations of the network. PM10 particulate counts are below any threshold and today there are ‘good’ or ‘reasonably good’ values at all stations.
