Dec. 20, 2021
By Lily Malinowski
Staff Writer
The Cumbre Vieja volcano in La Palma, Spain began erupting on Sept. 19, and tremors did not stop until Dec. 13. The fact that no seismic activity has been recorded since then is a hopeful sign but not necessarily an indication that the eruption has ended.
This event has been catastrophic for the residents of La Palma, which is the most north-westerly island of the Canary Islands. The eruption has caused the evacuation of over 7,000 people, and the flowing lava has cut off the coastal highway and created a new peninsula.
Junior Tommy Rogan, who has visited Spain previously, said he had not been aware of the volcanic eruption in La Palma but knew about La Palma because of its soccer team, Unión Deportiva Las Palmas.
“I have never seen a volcano in person before, but I would like to get a close look at one just to experience what it is like,” Rogan said.
He said the volcano’s eruption is scary, but he would still consider traveling to La Palma in the future.
“[I] would feel safe visiting the island because it is very rare that something like this happens,” Rogan said.
The last volcanic eruption on the island occurred in 1971. However, the 2021 eruption is the most damaging in the history of La Palma.
Spanish teacher Mrs. Silvelo said she is worried about the people living on the island.
“They have to uproot themselves, and they have to move to shelters, which has to be very mentally stressful,” Silvelo said.
She said she is reassured by the government’s response.
“They’re being very efficient with helping the people evacuate,” Silvelo said.
Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez pledged to put all of his efforts into rebuilding La Palma when the volcano stops erupting. He has also confirmed that the government will be approving $206 million euros ($239 million U.S. dollars) for reconstruction and aid to the residents who have been affected.
“Most [volcanoes] will finish their eruption within a couple of hours, but they can last days, weeks or even months.”
Science teacher Ms. Manzella said the eruption can bring danger to the environment as well as plants and animals surrounding the volcano.
“Some long-term environmental concerns associated with this eruption are that it can produce hazardous gas and spew sediment into the air, which can affect air quality,” Manzella said.
The volcano has spewed over 250,000 tons of sulfuric acid into the atmosphere.
Manzella said it is quite rare for volcanoes to erupt for such a long period of time.
“How long a volcano erupts really depends on the individual volcano and circumstances of the eruption,” Manzella said. “Most [volcanoes] will finish their eruption within a couple of hours, but they can last days, weeks or even months.”
Manzella said marine life in La Palma may also be impacted.
“Lava flowing into the ocean can increase the temperature of, acidity of and sedimentation in the water, [which] can result in underwater explosions and can kill any marine organisms that are within the area affected and lower biodiversity,” Manzella said.
However, she said the marine organisms that have been harmed could be easily replaced because the ash and lava can release nutrients into the ocean that allow for algae blooms and higher chances of biological productivity.
Manzella said the volcano in La Palma will continue to erupt in the future but will not necessarily have the same effects.
“Future eruptions may not be as extensive and last as long as this one has,” Manzella said. “Therefore, [they] may not be as destructive,” said Manzella.
