On September 19, the Cumbre Vieja volcano began erupting in La Palma – and the eruption has now continued for more than two months.

At least 2,651 buildings have been destroyed since the eruption began, and those who still have a home to live in are now being warned to stay indoors.

The reason was that one of the volcano’s seven lava flows made its way across the island and ended up in the ocean. This, in turn, led to the appearance of thick clouds carrying toxic gases in the sky, he writes Sky News.

They must protect themselves

Miguel Angel Morquende, technical director of the Canary Islands’ Volcanic Preparedness Department, said residents in the capital, Santa Cruz, for the first time since the eruption of the volcano have now been advised to wear face masks, as there are high concentrations of particles and sulfur dioxide. Up in the air.

Experts at the Canary Islands Institute of Volcanology (INVOLCAN) previously said that the volcanic eruption It can last until the end of the year. Forecasts are based on calculations from the duration of previous eruptions in the Canary Islands.

Recently posted photos show the massive devastation inflicted on the island, including homes almost buried in ashes.

At the end of September, the island was declared a disaster area.

The government has approved a €213.7 million crisis package – more than NOK 2.1 billion – to help La Palma with its social and economic reconstruction after the volcanic eruption.

In addition, the authorities provided 10.5 million euros, equivalent to about 106 million Norwegian kroner, in emergency aid to the affected population.

Dogs surrounded by lava

50 years ago

More than 500 years ago – in the year 1480 – the first records of volcanic eruptions began in the Canary Islands.

Since then, seven volcanic eruptions have been recorded on the island.

The previous volcanic eruption was at Cumbre Vieja 50 years ago. It started in October 1971 and lasted for 22 days before all activities ended.