Eruption auf einer vulkanischen Insel
Hintergruund
In the autumn of 2021, the island of La Palma, part of the Spanish Canary archipelago off the coast of West Africa, saw a spectacular volcanic eruption.
On September 19th, the Cumbre Vieja volcano, dormant for decades, erupted violently. In a devastating spectacle it unleashed ash and molten lava. Rivers of red-hot lava flew down the volcano’s slopes, engulfing homes, farms, and roads. Although the eruption did not claim any lives, the total damage was huge. It was estimated at over 800 million Euros, including the destruction of infrastructure, residential areas, and agriculture. More than 2,800 buildings were destroyed.
La Palma heavily relies on tourism, which suffered a severe blow as the island’s natural beauty was temporarily overshadowed by the eruption. Tourism revenue plummeted by approximately 60%, temporarily causing significant job losses and business closures. Additionally, the destruction of farmland and infrastructure disrupted the island’s agricultural and transportation sectors.
Local authorities acted swiftly, evacuating thousands to ensure their safety. Using among others satellite data, scientists closely monitored the eruption’s progression, providing essential data for informed decision-making.
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