Commercial flights to the Canary Island have been called off due to an "accumulation of ash" in the air. A recent volcanic eruption on the island has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents.

When La Cumbre Vieja began erupting and sending burning lava across huge swathes of land on the western side of La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands, thousands of people were forced to flee. Pensioners Margaretha and Luis were among those who had to leave their homes, and the couple are now taking refuge in their small boat in the port of Tazacorte until it is safe to return.

Spain's National Geological Institute said the volcano spewed blocks of molten lava "as large as three-story buildings." A partial cone collapse near the volcano's emission vent triggered the event.

Schools have been closed and flights canceled because of the massive amounts of ash being spewed from the Cumbre Vieja volcano. Scientists have said the eruption on the island of La Palma could last up to three months.

As the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma continues to spew lava and ash, residents are worried as jobs dry up and state aid is slow to arrive. Some have already left the island, as DW correspondent Nicole Ris reports.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has described the end of the eruption on the tiny Canary island as the "best Christmas present." The volcano flared for more than 85 days, causing nearly €1 billion in damage.