El Hierro Evacuated

 

The regional government of the Canary Islands has ordered the evacuation of La Restinga, on the island of El Hierro, as a precautionary measure against further volcanic eruptions. After considerable investigation the National Geographic Institute (ING) has now believes that the eruption is taking place at around 1,000 meters below sea level 5 kilometers off the coast of el Hierro.

The 600 or so residents of the Town were requested to meet on the local soccer field after an evacuation order was signed by the regional president and the Emergency and Security Coordination Center. The seismic-volcanic alert level has also now been raised to red.

There were mixed reactions by the residents to the news, with many choosing to simply ignore the order.

"What we are possibly on the point of seeing is the birth of a volcano," said Emilio Carreño, director of the ING.

Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero on Tuesday evening called a meeting of ministers and experts at La Moncloa to be appraised of the unfolding situation. Vulcanologists on El Hierro believe that a new eruption may occur closer to shore.

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