La Palma volcanic eruption is officially over, but its devastating toll persists


[ad_1]

Authorities in one of Spain’s Canary Islands said a volcanic eruption that started in September officially ended on Saturday after 10 days of no lava flow, seismic activity or significant emissions of dioxide sulfur.

But the emergency in La Palma, the most northwestern island of the archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is not over due to the extensive damage from the eruption, the committee director said. volcanic emergency in the Canaries by announcing the eagerly awaited stage.

“It’s not joy or satisfaction – how do we define how we feel? It is an emotional relief. And hope, ”said Pevolca director Julio Pérez. “Because now we can apply ourselves and fully concentrate on the work of reconstruction. “

The flaming molten rock sinking towards the sea destroyed around 3,000 buildings, buried banana plantations and vineyards, ruined irrigation systems and cut roads. But no injuries or deaths were directly linked to the rash.

Pérez, who is also the region’s Minister of Public Administration, Justice and Security, said the archipelago’s government assessed the loss of buildings and infrastructure at over 900 million euros. ($ 1 billion).

Volcanologists said they had to certify that three key variables – gas, lava and tremors – had calmed down in Cumbre Vieja ridge for 10 days in order to declare the volcano’s apparent depletion. Since the eruption began on September 19, previous periods of reduced activity have been followed by reignitions.

On the eve of December 14, the volcano fell silent after burning for 85 days and 8 hours, making it the longest eruption on record in La Palma.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the end of the eruption “the best Christmas present”.

“We will continue to work together, all institutions, to revive the wonderful island of La Palma and repair the damage,” he tweeted.

Agriculture and tourism are the main industries in the Canary Islands, a popular destination for many European vacationers due to their mild climate.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To learn more, visit https://www.npr.org.

[ad_2]

Comments are closed.