The yellow traffic light and the volcanic risk alert are maintained in La Palma
The Scientific Committee reports that the seismic activity has intensified in the last day, but they insist there is still no clear evidence of an imminent eruption in La Palma.
The alert situation and the yellow traffic light are maintained for the municipalities of El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane, Mazo and Fuencaliente.
The Scientific Committee of the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Attention to Emergencies due to Volcanic Risk (PEVOLCA), meeting today, has recommended to the Government to keep the traffic light in yellow and also the Alert situation for the municipalities near La Cumbre Vieja, specifically Fuencaliente, Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso and Mazo. Experts note that the process has intensified and may evolve rapidly in the short term, but add that there is still no clear evidence for an imminent eruption.
The committee has reported that in this situation it is expected that felt earthquakes of greater intensity will occur. The indicators show an intense seismic activity, with a slight displacement towards the northwest, with shallower depths than in previous days, between 6 and 8 km. In addition, today some shallow earthquakes (1-3 km) of low magnitude are also being recorded and it was observed as well that the surface deformation data have reached a cumulative maximum of 6 cm, predominantly vertical, in the same area in where the seismic activity is recorded.
The 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), the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) and the University of La Laguna.
PEVOLCA establishes a volcanic traffic light as an alert system for the population that is based on four colors depending on the risk: green, yellow, orange and red. The yellow alert means information to the population, surveillance measures and the monitoring of volcanic and seismic activity are intensified.
Before a volcanic eruption, there is a gradual increase in seismic activity, which can last for a long time and can be perceived by the population, so people should remain calm.
In the municipalities that are placed at a yellow traffic light, it is recommended to be prepared for a possible evacuation. In case of evacuation, your City Council will inform you of the routes and the established meeting point.
A small backpack or travel bag must be prepared in case that evacuation is determined, with a mobile phone with charger, personal medications and important documentation.
