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Tourists ‘escape La Palma volcano destruction’

Tourists have escaped the impact of a volcanic eruption which has forced at least 5,500 residents of the Spanish Canary island of La Palma to evacuate.

About 100 houses have been destroyed as burning lava from the Cumbre Vieja volcano has been pouring downhill since Sunday’s eruption.

No casualties have been reported so far following mandatory evacuation orders for four villages, with temporary shelters set up.

Around 500 tourists are reported to have also been evacuated by local authorities.

Tui UK said: “We are aware that on Sunday 19th September, at approximately 15.15hrs, a volcano erupted in the Cumbre Vieja national park on the island of La Palma.

“We can confirm that the affected areas of the island have no impact on our customers and our flights are due to operate as planned.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will contact customers directly should their holiday be impacted.”

The Foreign Office confirmed the immediate areas of Los Llanos de Aridane, Tazacorte and El Paso (including Cabeza de Vaca) have been evacuated.

In a travel alert issued last night, the FCDO said: “If you are in an affected area you should follow the advice of local authorities, including social media updates from Cabildo de La Palma.

“If you are planning to travel to the island imminently you are encouraged to contact your tour operators/airlines.”

La Palma had been on high alert after more than 22,000 tremors were recorded in one week around the volcano.

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