It’s done. Officially, after 85 days of eruption, the Cumbre Vieja volcano in the Canary Island of La Palma, has died out. It is the diagnosis of those in charge of Pevolca, the Plan for the prevention of the volcanic risk who affirm it. “It’s the best Christmas present,” said Pedro Sanchez, the head of the Spanish government.
With our correspondent in Madrid, Francois Musseau
Ten consecutive days without an eruption, a total absence of lava, it is a huge relief for the islanders of La Palma, this small island in the west of the Canary archipelago which has been in the headlines since September with the spectacular eruptions of the Cumbre Vieja volcano.
The island has suffered greatly over the past three months, several municipalities have been affected, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced and relocated.
In total, 1,676 buildings were destroyed, for the vast majority of living quarters, and more than a thousand hectares of agricultural areas were destroyed, particularly banana plantations.
The economy of the island of La Palma was therefore severely affected. ” It is the best Christmas present “Said Pedro Sanchez, the head of the Spanish government.
However, all the dangers are not eliminated.
From Monday, December 27, reconstruction work will begin. For those responsible for the issue of volcanic risk, the lava flows are over, but all danger has not been ruled out.
The worst of these dangers is the presence of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas, but highly toxic, even according to specialists, deadly.
At La Palma, we breathe more, but caution remains in order.
El mejor regalo de Navidad.
Todo mi reconocimiento a los palmeros y palmeras. Seguiremos trabajando juntos y juntas, todas las instituciones, para relanzar la maravillosa isla de La Palma and reparar los daños ocasionados.https://t.co/fbia6FsSQG
– Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) December 25, 2021