After more than 4,000 light tremors, concern about a volcanic eruption is growing on the Canary Island of La Palma.
The authorities imposed the second highest of a total of three alarm levels in the vicinity of the volcanic chain of Cumbre Vieja in the southwest of the island.
The more than 30,000 inhabitants of the region were asked to prepare light luggage and carefully follow the current warning notices.
The increased alert level applies to the places Fuencaliente, Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso and Mazo, but not to the island's capital Santa Cruz de La Palma.
However, according to experts, so far there are no clear signs of an impending outbreak.
First of all, the earthquakes could become more intense, according to the National Geographic Institute.
The regional volcanic institute Involcan points out that the Cumbre Vieja is an active volcano that has never been completely extinguished.
In recent years, the so-called seismic swarms were discovered at a depth of twenty kilometers, while the most recent quakes were recorded at a depth of only eight to ten kilometers.
According to the institute, it could take months or years for an eruption.
The last major outbreak on La Palma was fifty years ago. In October 1971, the Teneguía volcano spat lava for more than three weeks; two people were killed at the time. Seismic activities were only observed on La Palma four years ago.