The volcanic eruption on La Palma has kept the island's population in suspense for more than three weeks.
Right in the middle: Simon Märkle.
He describes the situation on site.
La Palma - It has been going on for more than three weeks: the volcanic eruption on La Palma.
While the island is repeatedly shaken by light to medium earthquakes, the lava, which can be up to 1200 degrees Celsius, pushes inexorably towards the sea.
Around 7,000 people have had to be evacuated so far.
More than 1000 houses were badly damaged or even completely destroyed.
According to experts, there is no end in sight to the outbreak.
Volcanic eruption on La Palma: German reports on the situation on site
Simon Märkle has been living on La Palma for ten years, in the El Paso area.
His family's house is about four kilometers as the crow flies from the volcano - just outside the evacuation area.
Together with his wife, the German runs a small agency that arranges holiday homes for locals.
In a video interview with
spiegel.de
, Märkle speaks about the current situation on the volcanic island.
"Depending on whether more gas comes out or more lava, the volume is sometimes devastating," says the German of the volcanic eruption.
“You can't sleep, the windows tremble.
There is a deep rumble to be heard, ”he describes.
Every time the volcano becomes quiet, one is “afraid that something will come again”.
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More and more buildings on La Palma are almost engulfed by the lava.
© Daniel Roca / dpa
Volcanic eruption on La Palma: situation is "oppressive"
The man is currently not afraid for his life.
Nevertheless, the overall situation is "oppressive".
There are always curfews due to the escape of potentially toxic gases, such as the last time a cement factory was destroyed by the lava.
He is currently not trying to think about what else could come.
“If you do that, then you go crazy.
That doesn't work, ”says Märkle
spiegel.de
.
The German also reports on the attempt to keep everyday life on the island as normal as possible: people go to work.
Shops are open, although hardly anyone is there.
Only schools are closed, says Märkle.
"In principle there is a normality, but then again it does not take place at all."
German on La Palma: "Do not want to leave here under any circumstances"
Currently, the man who earns his money with tourism advises against traveling to the volcanic island of La Palma - especially sensational tourism.
Märkle appeals, however: "The moment the volcano has stopped spitting, please come here." The locals would then need the money and the support of the tourists.
The fear of being forgotten by the volcanic eruption after the spectacle is great on La Palma.
Despite the difficult situation and the destruction, it is impossible for the majority of the population to leave the volcanic island.
Märkle and his family feel the same way on this point.
“We definitely don't want to leave here again,” explains the German.
"We feel at home here."
(Ph)
List of rubric lists: © Daniel Roca / dpa
