Schools closed, air travel disrupted as volcano belches ash

A burst of volcanic ash was to blame for the flight restrictions, according to airport operator Aena on Tuesday. Similarly, 22 schools had to be shut down because concentrations of sulphur dioxide exceeded safe levels on parts of the island, reports dpa.

The volcano has been spewing lava since September 19, sometimes with flows reaching 1,300 degrees. More than 2,700 buildings have been damaged and 975 hectares have been covered with a thick layer of lava.

Since the outbreak, more than 7,000 residents have had to be brought to safety. It is impossible to say when the eruptions will stop.