La Palma volcano blows two more vents sending lava spewing towards the sea

ITV News' Chloe Keedy reports on the "most horrible day" since the volcano erupted

The erupting La Palma volcano has blown two more fissures sending streaks of fiery red and orange lava towards the sea.

For two weeks the site on the Canary Islands has been spewing molten rock that's flowed down into the ocean prompting fears it could trigger explosions and release toxic gases.

Authorities are still reporting intense activity in the area, with scientists recording eight new small earthquakes at the site overnight.

The prompt evacuation of more than 6,000 people since the eruption first struck on September 19 has helped prevent casualties.

Levels of sulfur dioxide in the area have risen due to lava reaching sea water, but does not yet pose a health threat, La Palma’s government said.

All the same those living nearby have been urged to remain indoors and wear face masks and eye protection against heavy falls of volcanic ash.

The volcano has so far emitted some 80 million cubic meters of molten rock, scientists estimate - more than double the amount in the island’s last eruption, in 1971.

The lava has so far destroyed or partially destroyed more than 1,000 buildings, including homes and farming infrastructure, and caked around 1,750 acres in now solid lava.

La Palma, home to about 85,000 people who live mostly from fruit farming and tourism, is part of the volcanic Canary Islands, an archipelago off northwest Africa that is part of Spain's territory.