Lava from Spanish island volcano quickens pace

Lava flowing from an erupting volcano in Spain's Canary Islands has picked up pace on its way to the sea and is now within about 800 meters of the shoreline, officials said Tuesday.

The eruption, which began on Sept. 19, has destroyed 589 buildings and 21 kilometers of roads on La Palma and now covers 258 hectares, mostly farmland. Officials have for days been expecting the lava to reach the Atlantic Ocean, but the eruption has been erratic.

After calming down on Monday, the volcano became more explosive again overnight. On Tuesday, the Spanish government announced it will provide financial aid of 12.3 million USD. No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported since the volcano's eruption.