La Palma volcano: Heavy ash forces residents inside
November 3, 2021
Schools have been closed and flights canceled because of the massive amounts of ash being spewed from the Cumbre Vieja volcano. Scientists have said the eruption on the island of La Palma could last up to three months.
The eruption has covered homes in ash Image: Emilio Morenatti/AP/picture alliance
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Authorities on the Spanish island of La Palma asked residents who live near the erupting Cumbre Viejo volcano to stay inside on Wednesday because of falling ash.
More than 7,000 people have been evacuated since the volcano first erupted on September 19.
What do we know about the situation on La Palma?
Schools have been closed and all flights canceled because of the ash.
The regional government described the air quality this week on the island as "extremely unfavorable."
La Palma, which is part of the Canary Islands off Africa's northwest coast, has a population of about 85,000 people.
The eruption has damaged more than 2,000 buildings and covered hundreds of hectares with lava.
It's unclear when the volcanic activity on the island will end — scientists have said the eruption could last up to three months.
No casualties have been reported so far.
Eruption devastating for banana industry
The natural disaster has also had a negative impact on the island's economy. Banana farmers have seen their livelihoods wrecked because of the eruption.
Regional authorities estimate that the island's banana industry has been hit with €100 million ($116 million) in losses so far because of the event.
In addition to the ongoing volcanic activity, there have been seven other eruptions in La Palma's history. The first recorded eruption occurred in the 15th century.
Volcanoes: When Mother Nature erupts
Lava from Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma has reached the Atlantic Ocean, with experts fearing toxic gas on the Spanish island. How much havoc do active volcanoes cause around the world?
Image: Moses Sawasawa/AFP/Getty Images
La Palma: Lava flows into the sea
Following a crack in the Cumbre Vieja volcano, jets of lava and ash have been spewed into the air. Now the lava flow has reached the Atlantic, with experts fearing that poisonous gases will be produced. The government, however, gave the all-clear and announced that the eruption had "not affected the air quality," and it was "completely breathable."
Image: Saul Santos/AP Photo/picture alliance
La Palma: Residents on cleanup duty
The lava has spread over about 270 hectares (670 acres) of land. More than 650 houses and several streets have been destroyed, and more than 6,000 people have had to be brought to safety. The Spanish government released aid amounting to €10.5 million ($12 million) for people who lost their homes in the volcanic eruption. Experts reckon that the volcano will remain active for weeks or even months.
Image: Saul Santos/AP/picture alliance
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