A river of lava that is trickling out of a volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma has reached the Atlantic Ocean, sending plumes of white smoke high into the air.

Involvcan — the Canary Islands Volcanic Institute — confirmed on Tuesday that the flow of lava had reached the ocean. Video footage from the island captured the event, and NASA satellites even photographed it from high above the Earth.

While the breathtaking event is a natural wonder, officials fear it could pose a health problem to people in the area. AFP reports that the rapid cooling of the lava could cause the release of toxic gases in the atmosphere that can irritate the eyes, skin and lungs.

According to AFP, residents in nearby Tazacorte were told to stay in their homes to avoid breathing in the fumes. The BBC adds that officials also fear that parts of the island's shoreline could collapse, which could trigger explosions should a large amount of lava fall into the ocean.

La Palma's volcano, named La Cumbre Vieja, began erupting on Sept. 19. While the flow of lava has slowed in recent days, the eruption has destroyed more than 300 homes and, according to Reuters, a sizeable portion of the island's lucrative banana crop.

Prior to this month, the last eruption on La Palma occurred 50 years ago and lasted over three weeks, The Associated Press reports.

EL FUERTE, Spain (AP) — Giant rivers of lava are tumbling slowly but relentlessly toward the sea after a volcano erupted on the Spanish island of La Palma off northwest Africa.

The lava is destroying everything in its path Monday. But prompt evacuations helped avoid casualties after Sunday's eruption.

Scientists had been monitoring the area in recent days amid a surge in mostly small earthquakes.

The lava was moving at 2,300 feet per hour, according to the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute.

Officials said they expected it to reach the Atlantic Ocean around sunset.

The lava left black swathes of destruction through the sparsely populated, green countryside and destroyed around 100 houses.

Officials have warned that part of the island’s southwest coast was at risk for landslides and rock falls.

The last eruption on La Palma occurred 50 years ago and lasted over three weeks, The Associated Press found.