After 3 months of Destruction, La Palma Volcano Eruption Declared Over

On Saturday, scientists declared that the eruption on La Palma volcano in Spain is officially over, allowing islanders to breathe a sigh of relief nearly 100 days after the Cumbre Vieja volcano began to spew out lava, rock and ash and crushed the lives of thousands of people.

After the volcanic eruption on Sept. 19, the volcano suddenly went quiet on Monday Dec. 13 but the authorities, wary of raising false alarm, held off until Christmas Day to give the all-clear for the citizens before returning to the island.

Canary Islands regional security chief Julio Perez told a news conference on Saturday, "What I want to say today can be said with just four words: The eruption is over."

In the current record - according to the final tally by the emergency services, there are about 3,000 properties were destroyed by lava that now covers 1,219 hectares - equivalent to roughly 1,500 soccer pitches.

Reuters reported that the government pledged more than $453 million for the reconstruction but some residents and businesses have complained that funds are slow to arrive.

©Photo: AP Picture/Emilio Morenatti, File