Canary Island Volcano Continues To Erupt After Two Weeks
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La Palma, one of Spain's Canary Islands, has been feeling the wrath of the Cumbre Vieja volcano since September 19, 2021. The explosive volcano, which came to life shortly after 3:00 pm local time, has been spewing out large amounts of molten lava, sometimes up to 20 feet (6 meters) high. The slow-moving rivers of magma have destroyed nearly 400 homes, buried dozens of kilometers of roads, and consumed hundreds of acres of farmland.
On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, the Canary Islands Volcanic Institute confirmed that the lava had started pouring into the Atlantic Ocean. Officials fear that the magma's interaction with the cold water will release toxic gases and small particles. They are asking area residents to stay indoors and keep their windows closed. Scientists are also concerned that the chemical reactions between the lava and water may result in powerful underwater explosions.
Experts are unsure when Cumbre Vieja, or "Old Summit," will calm down. La Palma's Teneguía volcano, which came alive in 1971, remained active for more than three weeks. "The only way to know is to know the total volume of eruptible magma under Cumbre Vieja," says Pablo J. González, a physical volcanologist at the Spanish National Research Council. "That piece of information is unknown."
The only silver lining is that no lives have been lost yet. Cumbre Vieja provided plenty of warning — in the form of 20,000 small earthquakes — during the week leading up to the first eruption. This, together with the magma's slow pace, has allowed officials to safely evacuate the over 6,000 residents in its path.
La Palma is among the smallest of the main eight volcanic islands in Spain's Canary Islands archipelago, which is strung along Africa's northwestern coast. The largely rural community of 85,000 residents depends on crops like bananas, avocados, and grapes for its livelihood. Unfortunately, the lava has buried many plantations and left thousands homeless. While it may take months, or perhaps even a few years, to recover from the destruction, the Spanish government has promised to do everything it can to help.
"The people of La Palma should rest assured that we have all the resources and emergency personnel necessary," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said after meeting the local officials on September 19, 2021.
Stay Strong, La Palma!
Resources: elpais.com, Smithsonianmag.com, NPR.com,
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177 Comments
wolf18about 3 years92 days?! It's still erupting? I would be scared to live there. I also hope ppl are staying safe and tht no one gets hurt.
nauenabout 3 yearsI think the volcanic eruption is happening a lot these days! What an unfortunate :( :( But still, it is really interesting and cool to have a look at this volcanic eruption as well. I hope the town and the citizens are safe. :) If you agree with me, please follow me.
dani1409about 3 yearsI hope people stay safe on the island!
olicccabout 3 yearsThat’s so sad, I really feel bad for them.
masterovfanabout 3 yearsRIP HOMES AND FARM LAND :(- wolf18about 3 yearsNot something to joke about
xxhunny_bunxxabout 3 yearsThey weren't joking about anything
gabsgameabout 3 yearsBest of luck to those on the island
coolil09about 3 yearsI feel so bad for the residents who lost their homes. I hope everyone stays safe. Stay strong La Palam! I'll pray for them.
fuzeabout 3 yearsso sad rip la Palma and the people who have lost there homes
teddybear4life1about 3 yearsOMG! Thats so sad :'(
newbayabout 3 yearsi fell so sad about this i almost criend beacuse i used to live there
