Wind could bring toxic La Palma volcano plumes inland

The surface of Spain's La Palma island is continuing to expand as lava from a volcano flows into the Atlantic Ocean and hardens when it comes into contact with the water, European Union scientists said on Thursday.

Copernicus, the European Union's Earth observation program, said on Thursday that its satellite imagery showed a D-shaped tongue of molten rock building up on the island's western shore measured 338 hectares (835 acres) by the end of Wednesday.

Trade winds typical of Spain's Canary Islands were helping dispel the plumes of water vapour and toxic gases that result when the lava with a temperature of over 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,800 F) meets the ocean, where the water is 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 F).

But authorities were on alert because Spain's weather forecaster, AEMET, indicated the wind's direction could change later on Thursday and bring the toxic plumes toward the shore and farther inland.

Measures such as staying indoors will be extended to "from Tazacorte to Los Llanos and El paso to the surroundings of the Valley", said Ruben Fernandez, technical director of Canary Islands Volcanic Emergency Plan in the daily press conference on Thursday.

Fernandez warned that the smell of sulfur will be potentially more intense in the area on Friday.

The hydrochloric acid and tiny particles of volcanic glass released into the air can cause skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation.

UME (emergency military unit) is taking measurements of the air quality to determine the safety for locals in Puerto Naos, on the south side.

The direction the lava flow could take was also a source of concern.

Molten fluid emanating from the volcano that first erupted on Sept. 19 was still running downhill like a river and then tumbling over a cliff into the Atlantic.

But uneven terrain could make the lava overflow its current path, spread to other areas, and destroy more houses and farmland.

At least 855 buildings and 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) of roads, as well as other key infrastructure, have been wiped out so far. Banana plantations that are the source of income for many islanders have also been either destroyed or damaged by volcanic ash.

Over 6,000 residents have been evacuated so far, and hundreds more were advised to stay home to avoid the possible inhalation of toxic gases. No casualties or injuries have been reported among La Palma residents since the eruption began.

La Palma, home to about 85,000 people, is part of the volcanic Canary Islands, an archipelago off northwest Africa. The island is roughly 35 kilometres (22 miles) long and 20 kilometers (12 miles) wide at its broadest point