Sánchez visits La Palma and asks for patience as lava flows continue
So far, more than 1,400 buildings have been destroyed and the island's agriculture and industry have been seriously damaged
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday again travelled to the island of La Palma, where a volcano has been erupting for more than three weeks.
During his fourth visit since the eruption began, he said the government had already provided 10 million euros (11.58 million dollars) in emergency aid and that a further 214 million euros had been designated to purchase housing and repair infrastructure, for example.
"But I also ask for patience, because we can practically do nothing until the volcano becomes inactive," Sanchez added.
Unfortunately, experts had told him that there are no indications that the flow would cease.
Fresh evacuations on Monday mean some 7,000 people have had to leave their homes to seek safety.
The volcano, which has no official name, erupted on September 19 for the first time in 50 years.
Eruption more violent
The eruption became more violent in recent days, with repeated explosions throwing magma in the air, and plumes of smoke rising several kilometres into the sky.
So far, more than 1,400 buildings have been destroyed and the island's agriculture and industry have been seriously damaged.
Most of the lava has been flowing into the Atlantic ocean, creating a new strip of land. Meanwhile, two new flows have developed, heading northwards through the island's industrial zone.
A series of small to medium-strength earthquakes have also shaken the island that is located off the western coast of Africa.