Madrid, Sept. 24 (BNA): Spain intends to declare a state of emergency on the Canary Islands island of La Palma, due to the ongoing volcanic eruption that has already destroyed hundreds of homes there.
State station RTVE reported that another vent at the volcano opened on Friday and began spewing lava, prompting officials to evacuate 1,000 residents from the villages of Taguya and Takandi.
So far, 6,000 people have been evacuated since the volcano first erupted, on an island with a population of about 83,000.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday that the Spanish government plans to classify the island as a disaster area and draw up a comprehensive reconstruction plan.
On Tuesday, the cabinet is set to approve the allocation of a stricken area, along with expanded aid and a reconstruction plan.
“The situation on the island requires exceptional measures,” Sanchez said.
The volcano in Cumbre Vieja Nature Park has been spewing ash, rock fragments and lava at around 1,000°C since Sunday.
Banana plantations, roads and power lines have also been destroyed, although there have been no reports of injuries so far.
The lava destroyed about 400 buildings on its way as it flowed towards the sea. However, one house in the village of El Paraiso has miraculously survived as the lava flow around it split.
Spanish newspaper El Mundo reports that the canary-style house is owned by a retired Danish couple. The couple are in their 80s and have not visited the island since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are relieved that it is still standing. At some point we will be able to enjoy the house again. Or we will leave it to our three children,” the couple said with tears.
AOQ