In somewhat and somehow happier news, a giant volcano in the Canary Islands is erupting for the first time in fifty years, and thanks to a nearby observatory, we have awesome views of the terrible destruction. 

The Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted after shaking the area with warning earthquakes that allowed for evacuations to take place. More than 6,000 people fled as lava has made its way toward the sea. This Spanish island off the coast of Northern Africa is home to a number of observatories that share the Roque de Los Muchachos peak, and from their perch at 7,900 feet, the observatories are able to safely look down at the 2,000-foot high volcano. 

While this volcano is permanently changing the lives of the peoples whose homes and livelihoods it is taking away, geologists believe there is no reason to be concerned that the eruption could trigger massive tsunamis, which is apparently a potential concern for this volcano. As stated in a National Geographic article by Robin George Andrews: ...the residents of La Palma are being protected by a vanguard of volcanologists and a shield of seismologists. The long-term efforts by geoscientists on the island ensured that it was clear that something wicked was brewing long before serpentine lava flows crept out of Cumbre Vieja’s hillside. 

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More Information

Canary Islands volcano roars to life for first time in 50 years (National Geographic)