November 13, 2021
18:20
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The volcano on the Canary Island of La Palma took its first victim, nearly eight weeks after its first eruption, DPA reported.
The man’s body was found in an isolated area in the southern part of the Spanish island, Mundo reported, citing police information. The 70-year-old man appears to have died when the roof of his house collapsed in Los Llanos de Aridane. The man was reportedly allowed to enter the restricted area.
Residents of evacuated houses are often allowed to enter the volcanic ash area of the Cumbre Vieja mountain range to take documents or other important items from home. This is usually done under the supervision of the authorities. The man found today was probably trying to clean the volcanic ash from his property. Yesterday, relatives announced a search for him, informs BTA.
Since the volcano first erupted on September 19, lava has completely destroyed more than 1,450 buildings, according to a recent estimate by regional authorities. The lava can reach a temperature of about 1300 degrees Celsius. A total of 1,018 hectares were covered with a one-meter layer of lava – an area larger than 1,400 football fields. More than 7,000 residents had to be transferred to a safe place.
However, the locals are hoping for some rest: for some time now the lava flows have been moving very slowly or not moving at all.
