Scivillage.com Casual Discussion Science Forum

This volcanic eruption on the island of La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands is notable because it's happening right next to populated areas. It's one of those Hawaii-style eruptions where highly liquid lava flows from vents, as compared to a Mt.St.Helens-style explosive eruption with huge ash clouds. But lava is flowing into and destroying homes as we speak.

Luckily there was a swarm of small earthquakes before the eruption that warned the volcanologists and enabled the evacuation of the neighborhood beforehand.

The two front houses in lower photo appear to be on high ground with a stone wall built around them. Is that wall intended to keep lava flow away (redirect) from residences or for just for looks?

From 2014: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29136747

Several Canary Islands live webcams have appeared. Here's one of them, from TV Canarias