On the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, a volcanic eruption is causing sulfur in the air – the poisonous cloud is now also moving to Germany.
Kassel – The volcanic eruption on the Canary Island of La Palma seems far away, but at the weekend a poisonous sulfur cloud moves over Germany. “It can go that fast and Germany is right in the middle of the volcanic action,” says meteorologist Dominik Jung from the Q.Met weather service.
The volcano in the south of the Canary Island, which erupted for the first time in 50 years on Sunday (September 19, 2021), hurls 8,000 to 11,000 tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere every day, according to Jung. As a result, a poisonous sulfur cloud has formed, which is currently moving towards Germany.
Weather expert: Poisonous sulfur cloud on the way to Germany
According to weather expert Jung, the poison cloud will reach Germany on Saturday (25.09.2021). Because the air currents that are currently bringing summer weather from south-western Europe to Germany * are now also bringing the sulfur cloud to us.
On site, the lava leaves a swath of devastation on its way towards the coast and destroys one house after another. For many people the situation is precarious. It is currently unclear when exactly the lava will reach the coast.
When the lava comes into contact with the salty sea water, Spanish authorities expect the formation of toxic fumes. These can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. In the past few days, the volcano in the south of the island has increased its activity. Another vent opened, from which lava emerged.
Poison cloud reaches Germany: possible health hazard? Weather expert comments
Although sulfur is a very poisonous gas, the sulfur cloud in Germany poses no health risk, says weather expert Dominik Jung. “The sulfur is on its way at great heights, around 5 km above our heads. We breathe none of that. So there is no danger for us. ”As the volcano also emitted more ash, a number of flights to the island were canceled. The airport will remain open for the time being, reports the German press agency.
Bound in raindrops, however, the sulfur can reach the ground in Germany as acid rain. However, this does not pose a health risk to people either. But: “Trees don’t like that at all,” says Jung. (sne with dpa)
Picture list: © Emilio Morenatti / dpa
