A lockdown placed on three coastal communities on the Spanish island of La Palma was lifted on Wednesday after officials announced that hazardous fumes from the Cumbre Vieja volcano’s continuous eruption had partially dissipated.
Officials ordered a lockdown for coastal villages a few days ago, urging inhabitants to stay indoors as lava reaching the water sent clouds of thick fumes into the air, endangering locals’ health.
Miguel Angel Morcuende, the technical director of the Canary Islands Volcanic Emergency Plan, said the decision to end the restriction came after the cloud dissipated. However, he warned that individuals in coastal areas should still wear masks to “stay protected” and “prevent any problem.”
Despite the stay-at-home order being lifted, La Palma’s airport will remain closed, as workers attempt to remove tons of black volcanic ash that has covered parts of the runway.
Forsided, 29.11.2021