La Palma's open wound five years after the lava: "The volcano continues to kill with sadness"

Five years have passed since the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma, yet the island’s landscape and lives remain transformed. The eruption began at 3:11 PM on September 19, 2021, in Cabeza de Vaca, within the municipality of El Paso. It lasted 85 days and eight hours, making it the longest volcanic eruption in the island's history. The lava covered hundreds of homes, destroyed crops, and extended toward the sea, creating some of Europe’s youngest beaches, spanning two kilometers in total. For residents of La Palma, however, life has become smaller and more uncertain. The eruption devastated parts of the island, particularly the Valle de Aridane, where communities such as La Laguna and Todoque were severely impacted. Marcelino Rodríguez, president of the neighborhood association of La Laguna, described the experience as a battle against an unstoppable force. He recalled how the volcanic activity from Tajogaite buried memories and disrupted daily life for months. His neighborhood was split into two, and he admitted that during those difficult times, there was little time to think beyond survival. Five years later, the emotional toll remains heavy, with many still struggling to return home. For Marcelino, the physical destruction was only one challenge. The psychological impact has been equally profound. He noted that while the lava stopped just one meter from his house, the aftermath brought its own kind of suffering. Residents had to endure long periods of uncertainty, waiting for infrastructure to be rebuilt. “When the volcano stopped, we had another volcano here, the machinery,” he said. The constant noise and disruption took a mental toll, leaving many feeling drained. Fátima Ramos, a member of the affected families' platform, echoed similar sentiments. She lost everything she worked for over 25 years, including her home in Todoque. She now lives with her in-laws, unable to afford a permanent residence despite receiving financial aid. Government assistance included up to €60,480 for damaged homes, later increased to €100,000 through combined efforts of national and regional authorities. However, these funds often fell short of what was needed to rebuild a home. Rising property prices further complicated recovery efforts, leaving many in temporary housing. Eva, who once lived near a school in Todoque, still resides in a container after five years. Her home was eventually freed from lava, but the process of rebuilding has been slow. Many families, like hers, continue to live in makeshift shelters, struggling with the lack of privacy and comfort. In Los Llanos, residents complain of poor insulation and temperature control in their containers. “I can’t feel this place is my home,” Eva said. “I can’t move around freely. From the sofa to the bed, I stay in circles.” The issue extends beyond physical space. Many affected families found themselves isolated from their former communities. Social ties were strained as people adapted to new living conditions. Two sisters from La Laguna, whose neighborhood was partially destroyed, described how their previous lifestyle, living among family and neighbors with gardens and animals, contrasted sharply with the cramped confines of a container. “We used to live together, and everyone knew each other,” they said. Now, they face the challenge of adjusting to a life that feels disconnected from their roots. Rebuilding efforts have faced numerous obstacles. Many residents built their homes gradually, using land and resources available in rural areas. However, these informal structures often lacked legal recognition, complicating access to aid. Some families could not prove residency due to unofficial housing arrangements, limiting their eligibility for compensation. The volcanic eruption not only destroyed homes but also disrupted the sense of belonging and community that defined life in La Palma. Despite these challenges, small steps are being taken. Some families have purchased land and modular homes, while others continue working with local builders. Yet, for many, the path to recovery remains long and uncertain. As the island continues to heal, so too do its people, though the scars of the past will take time to fade.