Volcanologists Investigate Eruptive Cumbre Vieja Fissure For the 'First Time'

Lava from the Cumbre Vieja volcano flowed across more than 825 hectares (about 3.2 square miles) on the island of La Palma as of Thursday, October 21.

This footage released by the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute shows “the very first time” volcanologists have reached the eruptive fissure to check its main features, according to the caption.

Up to 50 homes near the town of La Laguna were evacuated on October 20 as the lava flow advanced, according to the local emergency service 1-1-2 Canarias. The lava had destroyed more than 2,100 buildings by October 19, according to authorities. Credit: Canary Islands Volcanology Institute via Storyful