On the volcanic island of La Palma, which belongs to Spain, people are particularly longingly waiting for Christmas this year. On Monday of last week it suddenly fell silent and has only been emitting gases since then. If it stays that way until Christmas, experts could announce the end of the almost three-month outbreak, reported the state TV broadcaster RTVE on Monday. So far, all measurement data indicated that this Christmas present could actually exist.
SN/APA/AFP/JORGE GUERRERO
The end of the volcanic eruption seems to be within reach
There are only a few weak earthquakes, no more vibrations in the volcanic cone and sulfur dioxide hardly escapes, said the local emergency committee Pevolca. Nevertheless, experts warn that the still nameless volcano on the Atlantic island off the west coast of Africa remains unpredictable and could suddenly awaken to new life.
Since the eruption began on September 19, the lava, which is more than 1,000 degrees Celsius, has destroyed almost 2,900 homes and other structures. Almost 1200 hectares were covered with a meter-thick layer of lava. More than 7,000 residents had to be brought to safety, the damage is estimated at more than 900 million euros.
Accessed on December 20, 2021 at 12:16 pm on https://www.sn.at/panorama/international/vulkaninsel-la-palma-hofft-auf-besonderes-weihnachtspaket-114296848