Volcano erupts in the Canary Islands - in pictures

Lava flows next to a house after the eruption of a volcano on the Canary Island of La Palma. Reuters
Lava flows next to a house after the eruption of a volcano on the Canary Island of La Palma. Reuters
The volcano erupts in the Cumbre Vieja national park at El Paso, La Palma. Reuters
The volcano erupts in the Cumbre Vieja national park at El Paso, La Palma. Reuters
La Palma, with a population of 85,000, is one of eight islands in Spain's Canary Islands archipelago. Reuters
La Palma, with a population of 85,000, is one of eight islands in Spain's Canary Islands archipelago. Reuters
The volcano had been dormant for 50 years. Reuters
The volcano had been dormant for 50 years. Reuters
Huge plumes of black-and-white smoke shoot out of the volcano. EPA
Huge plumes of black-and-white smoke shoot out of the volcano. EPA
The area experienced hundreds of small earthquakes during the week as magma pressed the subsoil on its way out. AFP
The area experienced hundreds of small earthquakes during the week as magma pressed the subsoil on its way out. AFP
Authorities ordered thousands of residents to leave as lava flows destroyed isolated houses and threatened to reach the coast. AP
Authorities ordered thousands of residents to leave as lava flows destroyed isolated houses and threatened to reach the coast. AP
New eruptions continued into the night. AP
New eruptions continued into the night. AP
The area near the southern tip of the island is sparsely populated. AP
The area near the southern tip of the island is sparsely populated. AP
Part of the island's south-west coast was at risk of landslides and rock falls, authorities said. EPA
Part of the island's south-west coast was at risk of landslides and rock falls, authorities said. EPA