A huge ash cloud prevented the entry and exit of flights on the Spanish island of La Palma on Sunday, the volcano continues to erupt. This weekend, there were no flights, no arrivals or no departures, despite emergency workers clearing the airport runway.
The context: Residents face a mixed picture of good and bad news, as some evacuees were allowed to return to their homes amid low seismic activity, while authorities took stock of the damage caused.
- So far some 430 buildings have been destroyed in the field.
- The La Palma volcano, which is part of the volcanic archipelago of the Canaries, erupted on September 19.
- The rapid evacuation of more than 6 thousand people helped avoid victims.
What do they say? “Life on the island continues, although people close to the eruption (of the volcano) have difficulties,” said the technical director of the volcano’s emergency response unit, Miguel Ángel Morcuende, at a press conference.
- The authorities reported that the volcanic ash fall is not a threat to public health, but its cleaning can be dangerous for the lungs and the eyes of people.
- Prevention groups ask people to wear face masks, gloves and eye protection, as well as pants and long-sleeved shirts, when removing the ash.
- Despite the fact that the Spanish airport authority Aena tweeted that La Palma airport was operational again on Sunday, no aircraft were expected to land or take off.
Main source of the news: AP
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