More towns evacuated as volcanic eruptions on La Palma intensify

Flights cancelled and firefighters forced to stop work due to shockwave and huge cloud of gas and ash on Spanish island

Intensifying volcanic explosions on the Spanish island of La Palma have forced firefighters to retreat and authorities to evacuate three more towns, while airlines cancelled flights because of a cloud of gas and ash, the biggest since the volcano erupted.

Firefighters pulled out of cleanup work in the town of Todoque on Friday afternoon as a new vent opened up in the flank of the volcano. Videos shared on social media showed a massive shockwave emanating from the eruption site.