Reuters crew gets rare access to volcano
A Reuters crew got rare access inside La Palma’s volcano
with a team of volcanologists
Location: La Palma, Spain
They went inside one of the six craters
to measure gas emissions and temperatures
INVOLCAN VOLCANOLOGIST, PEDRO HERNANDEZ, SAYING:
"One thing that stands out when you enter, even if you have been there many times, are the dimensions. Once you are inside you realize it's huge, gigantic. There are many craters and gas emissions continue to be very impressive from a visual perspective, even from kilometres away."
Hernandez says the volcanic eruption in La Palma
was the most devastating in Europe in 80 years
Temperatures inside the craters were around 1,540°F
Scientists say extremely high temperatures could continue for years
The area close to the craters remains closed to the public
For locals, the area has been noticeably transformed forever
with green slopes being replaced by a huge volcanic cone
INVOLCAN VOLCANOLOGIST, PEDRO HERNANDEZ, SAYING:
"Many have been living with their backs to reality. And the reality is that we live in active volcanic territory. And we always say in our educational program, the important thing is not to be alarmed but alert. I believe that this is the lesson to be learned from this eruption."