After ten days of nothing but low rumbling from the Cumbre Vieja volcano, Spanish authorities on La Palma in the Canary Islands have declared the three-months plus eruption finished, but it’s still a long way from a return to normal.
The eruption, which occasionally forced a shutdown of the island’s airport, destroyed over 3,000 acres of farmland and destroyed or threatened thousands of homes. Bananas and tourism, the island’s main source of income have been heavily affected, with many travel plans canceled, although some people have arrived at least in part to observe the events.
Officials say it will be years before all damage is repaired, including roads and buildings. At this point, Spanish troops have been tasked with clearing volcanic ash from rooftops of homes and other buildings to prevent collapse before people can return home.
Much of the work, and the return, will have to wait while lava cools and toxic gases dissipate. In the meantime, the Spanish government has pledged €225 million in emergency aid for housing and income for affected families on the island of 83,000 people.
