Firefighters retreat as volcano intensifies

    Firefighters on the Spanish Island of La Palma have retreated due to intensifying volcanic explosions.

    The Cumbre Vieja volcano started erupting on Sunday with thousands evacuated and more than 350 homes destroyed.

    On Friday, authorities in three more towns told residents to evacuate.

    A thick plume of smoke now extends four kilometres (2.4 miles) into the air with a number of flights in and out of the airport cancelled.

    No fatalities have been reported.

    More from International

    Listener Club

    Get more with the Listener Club!

    • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

      Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm

    • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

      Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.

    • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

      Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

    • Legal Show Legal Show

      Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.