Drone footage captures volcano devastation as Spain pledges aid

Spain classified La Palma as a disaster zone on Tuesday (September 28), a move that will trigger financial support for the island where a volcanic eruption has destroyed almost 600 houses over the past nine days.

The government announced a first package of 10.5 million euros ($12.30 million), which includes around 5 million euros to buy houses, with the rest to acquire furniture and essential household goods, government spokesperson Isabel Rodriguez said.

Thousands have been evacuated and three coastal villages were locked down on Monday in anticipation of lava meeting the Atlantic Ocean and releasing toxic gases.

But authorities cannot determine if and when the molten rock will reach the sea or how long the eruption will continue.