Spain declares 3-month La Palma volcano eruption officially over

Scientists have declared a months-long volcanic eruption on the Spanish Canary Island of La Palma officially over, allowing the islanders to breathe a sigh of relief.

According to the announcement on Saturday, nearly 100 days after the Cumbre Vieja volcano began to spew out lava, rock and ash and upended the lives of thousands.

After bursting into action on September 19, the volcano suddenly went quiet on December 13.

However, authorities on the most northwest island in Spain’s Canary Islands archipelago, wary of raising false hope, held off until Christmas Day to give the all clear and declare La Palma’s longest eruption on record over.

“What I want to say today can be said with just four words. The eruption is over,” Canary Islands regional security chief Julio Perez said.

During the eruption, fiery molten rock flowing down towards the sea destroyed thousands of buildings, entombed banana plantations that account for nearly half the island’s economy, ruined irrigation systems, cut off roads and forced many to evacuate.

Despite the widespread damage, no one was killed and no injuries were directly linked to the eruption.

READ ALSO: Volcano erupts on Spain’s La Palma island, forces evacuation 

Kamila/Al-Jazeera