Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands Oct 24 (BNA): Spain’s prime minister announced Saturday that his government will speed up the delivery of aid already promised to help thousands of residents on La Palma island, whose homes and livelihoods have been devastated by a protracted attack. Volcanic eruption.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on his fifth visit since the Atlantic island was shaken by the September 19 eruption, said his government will pass new measures this week to help millions of euros in aid reach those in need.
Sanchez’s government had already committed 63 million euros ($73 million) in direct aid, plus another 6 million euros ($7 million) to the affected local agriculture and fishing sectors in the affected area, according to the Associated Press.
Lava flows from the eruption on the Cumbre Vieja volcanic mountain range have damaged or destroyed more than 2,100 structures, mostly homes and farms. The molten rock, which covered more than 850 hectares (2,100 acres), has largely destroyed the agricultural area’s irrigation and road systems.
Although most of the island of 85,000 people off northwest Africa was unaffected by the eruption, part of the western side faces an uncertain future.
The lava flows are still going strong after more than a month, devouring more buildings and forming a newborn land as they reached the sea. The locals also feel the losses of the constant roar from the volcano and the constant series of low-level earthquakes under their island.
About 7,500 residents had to be evacuated from their homes in immediate measures by the authorities, which prevented loss of life. Most have taken refuge with family or friends but about 430 people are staying in temporary housing provided by the local government.
The Canary Islands government is buying empty apartments to house those whose homes have been demolished. She also vowed to amend regulations to help rebuild once the eruption finally stops.
But the end is not in sight, Canary Islands President Angel Victor Torres warned.
“We still have weeks,” Torres said. “We live in very difficult times. (But) none of the residents of La Palma will have to leave the island to continue their lives.”
RAE