By Miguel Pereira and Marco Trujillo

LA PALMA, Spain (Reuters) – Red hot lava from a volcano that devastated the Spanish island of La Palma reached the Atlantic Ocean late on Tuesday evening, nine days after it started to flow down the mountains, wrecking buildings and destroying crops.

Reuters photos showed white steam rising from the Playa Nueva region. Officials warned about possible explosions, and cloud of toxic gasses when the lava hits the ocean.

Miguel Angel Morcuende (director of the Pevolca respond committee) stated earlier Tuesday that “lava can reach the ocean.”

Since Sept. 19, Lava has been flowing from the volcano’s west flank towards the sea, causing destruction to almost 600 homes and banana plantations. La Palma is located near Tenerife on the Canary Islands archipelago.

Three coastal villages in the area were evacuated Monday to prevent lava from reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

Spain declared La Palma a disaster area on Tuesday. This will allow financial assistance to be provided for the island.

Isabel Rodriguez, a government spokesperson, said that the government had announced an initial package worth 10.5 million euros (£12.3 million). This includes approximately 5 million euros for houses and the remainder to purchase furniture and other essential household items.

Last week, a resident of Tacande de Arriba reported that his home was still intact and his cats unharmed.

Gert Waegerle (75) said, “It is a good feeling. A fantastic feeling.” He fled with five turtles from the advancing volcano on Friday, but left behind his cats.

Everything turned out okay, so I’m super happy.

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