Cumbre Vieja’s New Fissure Poses a Unique Concern
The main lava flow has so far steered clear of the most populated areas in the western part of the island where the eruption is happening. That’s not to say it hasn’t done damage; 870 structures have been engulfed, including the so-called “miracle house” that was initially surrounded but not swallowed by lava. Island officials also issued evacuation orders for roughly 6,000 people.
But the new fissure opens the door for more damage. While the main flow has mostly moved directly west to the sea, the new flow is tracking a little farther northwest. CSIC, a research institution on the Canary Islands, said that one of the two new flows is moving toward Los Llanos de Aridane. That’s the island’s most populous town, which has so far dealt with ashfall but no lava. The lava has reportedly crossed LP-2, a major road that rings the island.
