Three years on from the devastating eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, La Palma remains in a slow recovery, struggling to piece back together what was lost. Many residents, like Fátima, who watched their homes swallowed by lava, have found the memories revived with tragic resonance by the recent flooding in Valencia.
With 219 people dead, the flood has sparked echoes of the volcanic disaster for La Palma’s volcano survivors. The fear of being forgotten is still very real. “If we’re not vigilant, they could forget us,” Fátima says in ElDiario.es, as she reflects on her own continued uncertainty.
Rebuilding slowly, but challenges remain
The eruption, which began on 19 September 2021, destroyed over 1,300 homes and left more than 2,300 people without shelter. Impacted areas are Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso, and Tazacorte. Despite the mobilisation of over €1 billion in state funds, the reconstruction has been riddled with setbacks. Some victims, like those living in temporary container homes or caravans, are still without a proper place to call their own. The container modules, described by government officials as “indecent,” have left residents in difficult conditions. Only recently some have been offered rehabilitated homes in Breña Baja.
A community trying to move forward
For others, small strides toward normalcy are beginning to take shape. Puerto Naos, a town once shrouded by ash and toxic gases, has seen a slow revival. Bars and shops are reopening and workers have been able to return from furloughs. Furthermore, residents like Lali are gradually returning to their homes, albeit with difficulties. Lali speaks of her fourteen moves since the eruption. Her home is habitable but the presence of toxic gases has made it challenging for her to stay there permanently. Still, she finds hope. “Seeing people swimming at the beach again gives me hope,” she says.
Pressure mounts on authorities to deliver promised recovery
Frustration lingers, particularly over the state of essential infrastructure. Roads, schools, and access to basic services remain in dire need of restoration. The “blue school” in La Laguna, which was destroyed by the lava, is still awaiting reconstruction. Meanwhile, children have been studying in temporary facilities since 2021. A recent protest from parents demanding urgent action has highlighted how vital services remain stuck in a post-disaster limbo.
The state’s commitment of €1.04 billion has been critical, yet the feeling among many residents is that these resources are insufficient. People like Elías, a spokesperson for a group affected by road planning, express fears that communities could be divided between those who receive government support and those left behind.
Also read: Owner of ‘volcano house’ in La Palma: “I’m still homeless while others profit from my pain”