- The Spanish authorities have declared the volcanic eruption on the holiday island of La Palma to be over.
- “The eruption is over,” said Julio Perez, the security chief responsible for the Canary Islands, at a press conference.
- Scientists and residents, however, are skeptical.
The volcano that erupted a good three months ago had been quiet again since December 13th. In order not to arouse false hopes, the authorities had waited before giving the all-clear. But even now researchers like the director of the Geographical Institute of the Canaries, Maria Jose Blanco, see the possibility that the volcano could resume its activity.
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Clean-up work begins
For the time being, however, everything indicated that the eruption that began on September 19 had come to an end, said Blanco. For weeks lava flows down the slopes of the Cumbre Vieja. Around 3000 buildings were destroyed and the banana plantations, which are important for the economy of the Canary Island, were devastated.
Meanwhile, the clean-up work is underway on La Palma. The government has promised more than 400 million euros for the reconstruction. But many residents and companies complain that the funds are being paid out too slowly. Many people who had to be evacuated have now been able to return to their homes. However, numerous houses have become uninhabitable due to the volcanic ash. Because of blocked roads, some plantations can only be reached from the sea.
Imposing aerial views of the lava near properties
