A new volcanic vent erupted along Cumbre Vieja in La Palma between Sept. 19 and Dec. 13, 2021, producing massive lava flows that devastated a nearby town. (Image credit: ESA/Copernicus)
A River of Fire from Space: The 2021 La Palma Eruption
In 2021, the tranquil island of La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands became the center of one of the most destructive volcanic eruptions in recent European history. Captured by satellites in stunning detail, a fiery river of lava carved a devastating path from the slopes of Cumbre Vieja to the Atlantic Ocean—reshaping the land, displacing thousands, and unleashing toxic gases that still linger today.
🌍 Where It All Began
On September 19, 2021, after over 22,000 earthquakes shook the region in a single week, a massive fissure tore open on the western flank of Cumbre Vieja, near the town of Todoque. From this newly formed vent—later named Tajogaite—lava fountains soared hundreds of feet into the sky, marking the beginning of an 85-day volcanic outburst.
This was La Palma's first eruption since 1971.
During the first few days of the eruption, massive lava fountains shot out of Tajogaite, raining molten rock across the surrounding area. (Image credit: DESIREE MARTIN/AFP via Getty Images)
🔥 Lava Devastation from Above
The Sentinel-2 satellite from the European Space Agency captured the fiery destruction in real-time. Lava, reaching temperatures up to 2,000°F (1,100°C), flowed for miles, swallowing homes, banana plantations, and infrastructure. By the end:
- 3,000+ buildings were damaged or destroyed.
- Over 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) were buried under volcanic rock.
- Todoque, once a vibrant town, was wiped off the map.
- The eruption created 430,000 square meters of new land in the ocean.
Lava flows from the Tajogaite eruption cover approximately 2,500 acres between Los Llanos de Aridane (shown) and Puerto Naos in La Palma. (Image credit: Harry Baker/Live Science)
☠️ Toxic Gases and Long-Term Health Risks
What made this eruption even more dangerous was the release of toxic volcanic gases. The lava’s high alkalinity—due to elevated sodium and potassium—released sulfur dioxide and, upon contact with seawater, hydrogen chloride, forming noxious clouds.
Volcanic plumes from the La Palma eruption forced astronomers to halt ob
One local man died after ignoring evacuation orders, and many others, like taxi driver Ramón, suffered long-term respiratory effects after being exposed to these gases. Lava tubes still trap carbon dioxide pockets, making some areas hazardous even today.
“I thought I was going to die,” Ramón recalled, after passing out from gas exposure.
✨ Satellite Views and Science Interrupted
The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, home to several major telescopes, had to temporarily halt operations. Dust and ash obscured the sky, marking the first disruption in decades.
NASA and ESA satellites continued to track the eruption’s evolution from space—offering rare insight into how dynamic and destructive such events can be.
🛣️ Rebuilding Through Resilience
Once the lava stopped flowing in December 2021, the community faced the massive challenge of recovery. A vital road linking Los Llanos de Aridane and Puerto Naos was destroyed, forcing residents to take lengthy detours. Reconstruction began immediately—often over hot lava—and was completed within two years.
Volcanic gas warning signs remain along the new road between Los Llanos de Aridane and Puerto Naos in La Palma. (Image credit: Harry Baker/Live Science)
Still, fears of lingering gases continue to deter some islanders and tourists.
🌀 The Human Spirit Amid Destruction
Despite the scars, both physical and emotional, the people of La Palma have shown extraordinary resilience. The 2025 STARMUS Festival in Puerto Naos marked a symbolic return to normality, drawing scientists, tourists, and former residents back to the area.
“Resilience is clearly very strong here,” said volcanologist Marie Edmonds.
Final Thoughts
La Palma’s 2021 eruption is a haunting reminder of nature’s raw power. It altered not only the island’s landscape but the lives of thousands. From space, the lava's path looks mesmerizing—but on the ground, it’s a story of loss, courage, and renewal.
🌋 Have you ever witnessed a volcano in action? What would you do in the face of an eruption? Share your thoughts below.
Sources:
- ESA / Copernicus Sentinel-2
- Live Science
- Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program
- El País
- AFP
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