Sunday. 03.11.2024

The volcanic eruption on the Spanish island of La Palma has caused more than 842 million euros (952 million dollars) in damages over 11 weeks, according to a local government estimate.

Since the eruption began in Cumbre Vieja on 19 September, lava reaching temperatures of up to 1,300 degrees has destroyed almost 2,800 buildings and severely damaged 100 others, the RTVE state broadcaster reported on Sunday.

The cooled lava has also changed the shape of the island, forming a headland of more than 40 hectares.

An area measuring around 1,140 hectares - equivalent to 1,600 football fields - has been covered with lava or metre-thick ash.

Some 7,000 people had to leave their homes weeks ago, while schools, churches and supermarkets, as well as numerous roads, power lines, irrigation systems and banana plantations, have been wiped out. One person has died.

Volcanologists have stressed that an end to the eruption is still not in sight.

La Palma volcanic eruption causes 842 million euros in damages