El Hierro : Details following Sun 16th meeting

Following a meeting of PEVOLCA earlier today, the residents of La Restinga on the Island of El Hierro have been allowed to return to their homes, but have been told to be ready for the possibility of a further evacuation, which may be necessary.

A stain is being produced as a result of the two volcanic eruptions 2miles off the south-west coast of the Island. Volcanic gases, magma and steam is bubbling to the from a depth of around 50mts.

The President of the Canary Islands, Paulino Rivero, attended the meeting where he announced the return of the evacuees, which had partly been made possible after the installation of hydrophones, which will monitor further activity from the seabed and allow scientists to monitor the threat of further eruptions.

The president explained that before the Volcano can move into its fourth and final 'explosive' phase, where ash and magma will be produced, the activity should first go through it's third stage. Here columns of steam should be emitted, which pose no threat to the Island's residents.

If a new evacuation is to take place it is expected that residents will be given 7 or 8 hours notice.

The video clip attached gives an idea as to the size and appearance of how the eruption appears at the moment.

Read further news stories about the El Hierro Volcano by clicking the link HERE .