The volcanic eruption on La Palma, Canary Islands, which began on September 19, 2021, is officially declared over as of December 25, 2021. While the immediate threat has subsided, the long-term consequences and ongoing monitoring remain critical concerns for the island and its inhabitants.

After 85 days, the Cumbre Vieja volcano fell silent. The Canary Islands Volcanic Emergency Plan (PEVOLCA) officially declared the eruption finished after days of no lava flow, seismic activity, or significant gas emissions. This brought a collective sigh of relief to the island, but the declaration doesn't signify a return to normalcy. The island continues to grapple with the devastating aftermath, including widespread property damage, displacement, and air quality issues. Monitoring continues to be crucial to ensure the stability of the volcanic system and detect any signs of renewed activity. The island also faces the immense task of rebuilding infrastructure, recovering economically, and dealing with the psychological impact of the eruption.

The eruption profoundly altered La Palma's landscape. Lava flows covered over 1,200 hectares of land, destroying homes, farms, and infrastructure. The volcano spewed out massive amounts of ash and volcanic gases, impacting air quality and affecting the health of residents. The economic impact has been immense, particularly for the agricultural sector, which relied heavily on banana cultivation. Tourism, a significant source of revenue, also suffered. Beyond the immediate physical damage, the eruption has left deep psychological scars on the community, forcing many families to relocate and disrupting their lives. The long-term effects on the island's ecosystem are still being assessed.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the La Palma volcano eruption, designed to provide clarity and useful information:

The eruption was triggered by the movement of magma deep beneath the island. The Canary Islands are volcanic in origin, formed by the activity of a hotspot in the Earth's mantle. This hotspot generates magma, which rises to the surface, causing volcanic eruptions. In the case of La Palma, a significant accumulation of magma eventually led to a rupture in the Earth's crust, resulting in the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano. Scientists had been monitoring increased seismic activity on the island for weeks prior to the eruption, indicating the rising magma.

The eruption lasted for 85 days, from September 19, 2021, to December 25, 2021. This makes it the longest eruption on La Palma since the Tajogaite eruption in 1646, which lasted 84 days. The intensity of the eruption varied over time, with periods of increased lava flow, ash emissions, and seismic activity, followed by periods of relative calm.

The eruption had a significant impact on air quality, particularly in areas close to the volcano. The volcano emitted large quantities of sulfur dioxide (SO2), which can cause respiratory problems, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions. Volcanic ash, composed of tiny particles of rock and glass, also posed a health hazard, irritating the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Authorities issued warnings and advised residents to wear masks and stay indoors when air quality was poor. Air quality monitoring continues to be crucial.

Over 7,000 people were evacuated from their homes due to the eruption. The evacuations were necessary to protect residents from the dangers of lava flows, ashfall, and toxic gases. Many evacuees lost their homes and possessions. Finding suitable temporary and permanent housing for these displaced individuals remains a significant challenge.

Cumbre Vieja is a stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano. Stratovolcanoes are characterized by their steep, conical shape and are formed by layers of lava, ash, and rock. They are often associated with explosive eruptions. Cumbre Vieja is located on the southern part of La Palma and is one of the island's most active volcanic regions.

The lava flows from the eruption covered over 1,200 hectares of land. This included residential areas, agricultural land, roads, and infrastructure. The lava flows destroyed hundreds of homes and buildings, burying them under meters of hardened rock. The flows also blocked roads, cutting off communities and hindering access for emergency services.

The banana plantations, a crucial part of La Palma's economy, were severely impacted by the eruption. Many hectares of plantations were buried under lava flows or damaged by ashfall. The loss of banana production has had a significant impact on the livelihoods of farmers and the island's overall economy. Efforts are underway to rehabilitate affected plantations and explore alternative agricultural activities.

Tourism on La Palma has been significantly affected by the eruption. While some areas of the island remain open to tourists, many visitors have been deterred by the ongoing volcanic activity and the devastation caused by the lava flows. The island's tourism industry is struggling, and efforts are being made to promote La Palma as a safe and attractive destination for tourists once again.

PEVOLCA stands for the Canary Islands Volcanic Emergency Plan. It's a comprehensive system designed to manage volcanic emergencies in the Canary Islands. PEVOLCA is responsible for coordinating the response to volcanic eruptions, including monitoring volcanic activity, issuing warnings, organizing evacuations, and providing support to affected communities.

Even after an eruption has ceased, there are still long-term risks associated with volcanic activity. These include:

Scientists are continuously monitoring the volcanic system on La Palma to detect any signs of renewed activity. This includes:

This data helps scientists assess the state of the volcanic system and forecast the likelihood of future eruptions.

The Spanish government, the Canary Islands government, and local authorities are providing support to residents affected by the eruption. This includes:

The recovery process will be long and challenging, but with continued support and resilience, the people of La Palma will rebuild their lives and their island.