Lava spread raises fears of more damage on Spanish island

By RENATA BRITO and BARRY HATTON
Associated Press

TODOQUE, Canary Islands (AP) — The advance of lava from a volcanic eruption on one of Spain’s Canary Islands has slowed significantly. That raised fears Thursday that it might fan out further in coming days and wreak more destruction instead of flowing into the sea. A giant river of molten rock slowed to four meters (13 feet) per hour after reaching a plain on La Palma. It has grown thicker and rises up to 15 meters (50 feet) high. The uncertainty left many on the western side of the island of 85,000 people in limbo. Scientists say the lava flows — which have swallowed up around 350 homes — could last weeks or months. Spain’s king, queen and prime minister visited the island Thursday.