The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will make another visit to the Canary Island of La Palma this weekend to assess the ongoing crisis caused by a volcano that's been spewing lava since mid-September.

Experts believe the eruptions could continue for some time yet.

Increased seismic activity

Now in its sixth week, the La Palma volcanic eruption seems to have become more intense with bigger lava flows and increased seismic activity.

Another partial collapse of the main cone has allowed a sixth vent to appear but thankfully the new lava flow looks to have merged with an older path and should avoid further building damage.

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One symbol of resistance against this natural disaster has been the Santella family house which was engulfed by molten lava but somehow remains standing. It's a painful daily reminder of a place they still consider home.

Speaking to the media La Palma resident Francisco Santella said,

"As a family, we enjoyed many parties there - events, Christmas, our summers all at that place, so you don't want it to collapse. That's how we feel. The longer this goes on, every day is like torture."

Eruptions increasing in intensity

The lava has now covered nearly 900 hectares of land and thousands of residents have had to evacuate their homes. The force of the latest eruptions is now shooting the lava skywards to nearly twice the height of the Eiffel tower.

The volcano has attracted an influx of tourists, many of whom have flown in from abroad to see the eruptions for themselves, but this has angered many locals who've suffered greatly. 

According to experts like Rosa María Mateos, a scientist from the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain, this suffering looks set to continue.

"We have a good indication of where we are right now," she told CGTN Europe.  "You could call it the 'DNA of the eruption'. It's the sulphur dioxide levels. The data we have received show that it's at the highest level recorded so far........ That's why I believe it will continue to erupt for a long time yet."

Pedro Sanchez is due here again for another visit on Saturday. He will try to reassure the residents that everything will be done to help them through the crisis.

It's a crisis that looks set to prolong their suffering with no immediate end in sight.