A lava flow, then an uninterrupted column of smoke.
Since its eruption on Sunday, September 19, the Cumbre Vieja volcano has disrupted the daily lives of part of the inhabitants of La Palma, one of the seven islands of the Canary archipelago in Spain.
Nearly 5,000 residents and a few hundred tourists were evacuated from the few municipalities affected by the lava flow which now seems to be moving more slowly.
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José Juan Lorenzo, director of the Canary Islands tourist office, discusses the situation on site and gives his recommendations to travelers.
LE FIGARO - A few days after the start of the eruption, what is the situation there?
José Juan Lorenzo -
The eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano affects a very localized area in the southwest of the island of La Palma. Some municipalities are affected by the lava flow and have been evacuated: El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane and Tazacorte. Almost a thousand tourists who were in this area were evacuated elsewhere in La Palma, while some of them chose to end their stay in Tenerife. This Friday, the authorities ordered the evacuation of Tajuya, Tacande de Abajo and Tacande de Arriba, still within the perimeter of the volcano. While air traffic was spared since the start of the phenomenon, flights to and from La Palma have been canceled since this Friday around 4 p.m. for an indefinite period. Inter-island ferries operate normally.
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What do you recommend for tourists who are planning to go to La Palma in the near future?
Those who have planned to stay in La Palma outside the area affected by the volcanic eruption can maintain their stay without any problem.
I nevertheless advise them to contact their accommodation before their departure in order to find out about the situation on site.
The path of the ash cloud is closely monitored and is likely to disrupt air traffic.
Again, it is important to check the status of your flight with your airline.
On site, tourists can keep up to date in real time on the Canary Islands government website (112canarias.com).
Roads cut, parks closed ... Are tourist activities maintained?
Tourist activities such as excursions are suspended only in the affected municipalities.
The phenomenon has no impact on travel conditions elsewhere on the island and throughout the archipelago.