Inside a Volcano: A New Look at La Palma‘s Recovery, Three Years After Eruption
A new podcast episode from elDiario.es offers a rare glimpse into the heart of a volcano, exploring the surprising signs of life emerging on La Palma nearly three and a half years after its devastating eruption.
The episode, released on March 6, 2025, features reporting from Antonio Martínez Ron, a science specialist with elDiario.es, who recently visited the volcanic landscape. He describes the remarkable process of nature reclaiming the once-barren terrain, offering a unique perspective on resilience and renewal.
The eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma in 2021 captured global attention, displacing residents and dramatically altering the island’s geography. Now, years later, the podcast delves into what has changed – and what remains. According to the report, life is finding a way even within the volcanic cone itself.
Why did the eruption happen? The 2021 eruption was the result of magma accumulating beneath the Cumbre Vieja volcano. Increased seismic activity in the weeks leading up to the eruption signaled the rising magma, ultimately leading to a fissure opening and the release of lava.
Who was affected? The eruption displaced over 7,000 residents, destroying homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land. The island’s banana plantations, a key part of La Palma’s economy, suffered meaningful damage. The local community faced immense hardship and disruption to thier lives.
What was the extent of the damage? Over 1,000 hectares of land were covered in lava, and hundreds of buildings were destroyed. The eruption lasted 85 days, with periods of intense activity interspersed with lulls. Ashfall impacted air quality and visibility across the island and even affected air travel to nearby islands.
How did the eruption end? Volcanic activity gradually decreased in December 2021, with the official end declared on December 13th after gas emissions and seismic activity subsided. While the eruption ended, the recovery process continues to this day.
How to Listen to ‘Un tema Al día’
The podcast, titled ‘un tema al día,’ offers multiple ways to access its content. Subscribers to elDiario.es receive new chapters each evening, with early access provided via the “Adelanto de noticias” newsletter. For those who aren’t subscribers, the episode is available each morning on all major podcast platforms.
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to ‘Un tema Al día’ through their preferred app to receive automatic updates of new episodes. All past episodes are also archived and readily accessible at elDiario.es/aldia.
The podcast is part of a broader suite of news offerings from elDiario.es, including the daily newsletter ‘Al día,’ both designed to keep audiences informed with key current events. The programs are hosted by Juanlu Sánchez, the publication’s subdirector, and benefit from contributions from the entire editorial team.
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to stay informed.
