Are volcanoes a threat to the human race? Thousands of locals, as well as visitors, have been affected after a Volcano erupted on the Spanish Canary Island of La Palma.
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Lava engulfs homes as giant volcano erupts
Are volcanoes a threat to the human race? Thousands of locals, as well as visitors, have been affected after a Volcano erupted on the Spanish Canary Island of La Palma.
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What's happening?
Jonas Perez is a local guide in La Palma. Last week, a volcano erupted.
"It sounds like... 20 fighter jets taking off", Jonas said. "It's amazing."
Find out more
The eruption is not just amazing. It is causing problems.
So far, it has ruined homes, banana plantations and one school.
But how dangerous are volcanoes? Since the year 1500, around 280,000 people have been killed by eruptions.
In June 2018, 190 people died when Volcan de Fuego in Guatemala erupted. In the same year, Kilauea volcano in Hawaii exploded and people had to leave their homes.
Are volcanoes a threat to the human race?
Some say
Yes. Enormous eruptions could change the world in ways we are not prepared for. Ancient explosions shot gases into the sky. They began global cooling! Just one big eruption could do huge damage.
Others think
No. Eruptions happen all the time. Of course, they are dangerous. But we are getting better at predicting them. We should focus on the things that put more people in danger!
Lava engulfs homes as giant volcano erupts
A house burns due to lava from the eruption of a volcano in the Cumbre Vieja national park at Los Llanos de Aridane, on the Canary Island of La Palma, September 20, 2021 © Reuters