The lava has flowed from the volcano, devastating buildings and destroying crops in its wake, and now nine days later the lava has reached the ocean. The contact created large clouds of steam to form in the Playa Nueva area, concerning locals after officials warned lava flowing into the sea could create clouds of toxic gasses and explosions.

       People have been asked to stay in their homes.

       "When the lava reaches the sea, the lockdown must be strictly observed," Miguel Angel Morcuende, director of the Pevolca response committee, said earlier on Tuesday.

       The volcano came back to life on Monday after a lull and began spewing out lava once again, causing experts to grow increasingly concerned about the possibility of a toxic gas explosion.

       Experts previously warned that should the lava reach the sea the impact will create explosions of toxic vapour full of hydrochloric acid.

       READ MORE: La Palma: Expert warns of acid cloud as lava continues to spew

       Contact with ocean water creates a “pressure-cooker situation” which could “fling out volcanic debris”, a science journalist and volcanologist has said.

       Volcanologist Dr Robin George Andrews said a gas plume, ‘laze’, will form when the lava flows into the ocean water.

       The air would be dangerous to breathe and irritating for the eyes.

       “It creates a steam of hydrochloric acid, water vapour and bits of ash,” he told BBC.

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       “Obviously, it's not good to breathe in.”

       The emergency services have urged those outdoors to immediately find a safe place to shelter.

       At time of writing, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

       Lava has been flowing down the Cumbre Vieja volcano's western flank for nine days, since September 19.

       Reports show the lava has destroyed nearly 600 homes and banana plantations on the island.

       Thousands of people have been evacuated and on Monday three coastal villages faced lockdown in anticipation of the lava reaching water.