Lava Flow Engulfs Homes on Spanish Island

^{PHOTO: VARIOUS OF LAVA FROM LA PALMA VOLCANO SCORCHING HOUSE, LAVA ERUPTING FROM VOLCANO, POLICE OFFICER OBSERVING VOLCANO}

INTERNATIONAL: Lava flow has destroyed about 100 homes so far on La Palma in Spain’s Canary Islands. The wall of molten stone is creeping through villages, putting hundreds more homes at risk, with over 5,000 people already evacuated. Thick smoke and flames have engulfed buildings as the lava makes its way slowly down to the sea. The Canaries Vulcanology Institute says that when the lava does reach the sea, it could create a cloud of toxic gases as it rapidly cools. A spokesperson for Spain's military emergency unit says that might even lead to explosions. Despite the destruction, the Tourism Ministry says the eruption should be seen as an opportunity to encourage people to visit the island.

Farmers Clash with Police in Bolivia

^{PHOTO: SCUFFLES BETWEEN POLICE AND PROTESTERS, SOUNDBITES FROM COCA GROWERS}

Coca farmers have clashed with police in La Paz, Bolivia, trading rocks and tear gas. Protesters say they are simply defending their rights. Authorities are pressing down on their traditional market to sell coca products. Sales are now controlled by the central government instead of local communities. Authorities are angry at a rival coca growing collective, that is promising to bring growers “together for progress”. For centuries, people in the Andes have chewed coca leaves to ward off the effects of high altitude. Coca is also brewed into tea and considered sacred by many indigenous people.

Drug Bust in Colombia

^{PHOTO: SOLDIERS DESCENDING FROM HELICOPTER, SOLDIERS FINDING DRUGS AND DOING CHEMICAL TESTS ON THEM, SOUNDBITE FROM ARMY COMMANDER}

And, the Colombian army has seized over three tons of cocaine from alleged guerillas of the National Liberation Army. The anti-narcotics operation took place 25 kilometres outside the Tibu municipality, just northeast of the border with Venezuela. 3.3 tons of cocaine hydrochloride were found in all. They have an estimated street value of $5.2 million.