La Palma volcano continues spewing lava and ash

A volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma continued belching fiery lava late on Saturday, almost two weeks after it started erupting.

Spanish authorities reported more intense activity in the area as two more fissures were blown open on the volcanic cone.

The lava has so far destroyed or partially destroyed more than 1,000 buildings, including homes and farming infrastructure, and entombed around 709 hectares (1,750 acres).

The prompt evacuation of more than 6,000 people since the September 19 eruption helped prevent casualties.

La Palma, home to about 85,000 people who live mostly from fruit farming and tourism, is part of the volcanic Canary Islands, an archipelago off northwest Africa that is part of Spain's territory.

The island is roughly 35 kilometers (22 miles) long and 20 kilometers (12 miles) wide at its broadest point.

IMAGE: AP