El Hierro : Tunnel Closes, Homes Evacuated

Seismic activity on the Canary Island of El Hierro has once again increased in both intensity and frequency, and a number of events have caused alarm since 18.00 hours GMT / UTC on Friday evening.

Strong harmonic tremors had been felt in and around the el Golfo bay area throughout the day, peaking with an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 on the richter scale at 20.36 hrs GMT to the west of Frontera. Although no damage has been reported Mr. Santana, the chief safety officer for, PEVOLCA has called for the earlier statement (that only activity of 4.5 or above would cause the los Roquillos tunnel to be closed) to be reviewed.

Less than an hour later an number of landslides were reported to the far west of the Island, which together with an increase in yesterday's change to the bubbles rising to the surface around the underwater eruption off the coast of la Restinga, and the sulphurous smell in the area, is making some locals nervous.

A further earthquake struck Frontera at 00.016 GMT with a magnitude of 3.6 on the richter scale and a much shallower depth of 11km, meaning that the activity on the surface was felt by more of the islands residents.

The latest's activity resulted in 11 houses in las Puntas, at the far eastern side of the el Golfo bay area, being evacuated amid fear of further landslides. PEVOLCA also finally took the decision to close the los Roquillos tunnel until daylight to both asses any damage that may have been caused and as a preventative measure against any more activity.

The National Geographic Institute (IGN) have spoke on the possibility that a further large earthquake may occur during today and have urged the public to remain calm, but vigilant.

Mary posted this clip on Youtube shorty after the latest events took place >>>>

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