La Palma is a volcanic ocean island located in the Canary archipelagos in Spain. The Cumbre Vieja or “Old Peak” is an active volcano in the southern part of La Palma. This island is known for its active volcanic activity.
Ever since its last eruptions in 1949 and 1971, the volcano had been silent. However, in September 2021, scientists started recording a wave of earthquakes under Cumbre Vieja. Between September 11th and September 19th, more than 25,000 earthquakes were recorded. The lava had started climbing towards the vent of the volcano.
On September 19th, the Cumbre Vieja erupted. For three months, hot lava, gases, and ashes spewed through the vents of the volcano.
Viscous, sticky lava flew out and caused massive damage. More than 7,000 people had to leave their homes. Schools, colleges, churches, hospitals, hotels, and everything else were shut down.
As the magma cooled down, more and more volcanic ash settled. Volcanic ash is a mixture of rock, minerals, and glass particles. It is very harmful and causes breathing problems.
All of this continued for three months, with magma flowing non-stop from the Cumbre Vieja’s vent. Finally, it all came to a halt on December 25th, 2021. No earthquakes had been detected since the second week of December, and scientists predicted the volcanic eruption would soon stop. The news of the eruption finally coming to an end brought relief to the inhabitants of La Palma.
Although the volcanic eruption caused a lot of damage, it has a few benefits, too. Volcanic ash provides nutrition for the soil to help plants grow. It is considered very fertile.