Beaches, dense forests, impressive volcanoes – La Palma gets the nickname La Isla Ponida. Today the beauty is covered in ashes. Four weeks ago, a volcano erupted 50 years later in the Gumbre-Viza National Park south of the island. Since then, a volcanic eruption of over 1000 degrees has penetrated the surrounding villages and relentlessly engulfed the house one after another.
One of them is Donica W. * (38). He moved to La Palma 15 years ago and is survived by his partner Victor D. * (49) settled in the small town of Todok with. The place where her dream house was a month ago is now only volcanic and ash. Over the past few weeks 7500 people have to be brought to safety, i.e. about ten per cent of the nearly 85,000 people in La Palma.
“Suddenly we heard a loud noise”
The volcanic eruption declared itself for several weeks with small earthquakes. “You can feel it, you woke up at night,” says the mother of two. Her voice trembles when she thinks of the explosion: “During the last earthquake, you felt like moving house – all of a sudden we heard a loud noise. We ran to the garden and saw an explosion and a cloud of smoke. “Then it was clear to them: they need to get out of here soon.
“We did not pack any suitcases and the most important papers were ready because the authorities expected the explosion to take place further south,” says the Swiss woman. A week ago, it was announced to the communities involved – “ultimately to all affected people, but no”.
The family gets in the car and leaves. There was a mile long traffic jam. No one knows how quickly the volcano will reach that place. It was a total mess, ”he recalled.
Invite donations for a fresh start
In the first days of an explosion, the family, along with the fire brigade or army, is allowed inside the house for 15 minutes to save their belongings. “We regularly checked with a telescope to see if our house was still standing.” It’s been good for three weeks, but suddenly the volcano erupts volcanoes and ash again: “We knew then, that’s it.”
Donica W and her family stay at their nephew’s apartment and try to distract themselves as much as possible. “The kids go back to school. It brings at least some default.” They still don’t know how to proceed. “Fortunately, we have insurance and now all the methods need to be clarified.”
To facilitate a fresh start for the family, her sister Reena Began appealing for donations. Donica W. I am shocked by the unity. “
“Wannabe pop culture fanatic. Zombie advocate. Entrepreneur. Internet evangelist. Alcohol fanatic. Typical travel buff.”
More Stories
Dirty beaches in Europe: new ranking
Emil (2): Now the dead boy's mother speaks
Olympic Airways' Jet: The Boeing 727 from Ellincon is well-made in a new location