The Spanish government will help rebuild the Canary Island of La Palma, the island where a volcanic eruption destroyed hundreds of buildings and thousands have been left homeless.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, during his third visit to La Palma since the outbreak, says the island is now safe for tourists again. He also promises that the government will contribute 206 million euros, just over 2 billion kronor, to the reconstruction.

– Next week we will approve the package and plans to rebuild infrastructure, water supply, agriculture and tourism, says Sánchez.

The volcano, located in the Cumbre Vieja natural area, erupted on September 19. In the towns of El Paso and Los Llanos de Aridane, 154 hectares were covered in lava. Of the island's 83,000 inhabitants, 6,000 who live near the volcano have been forced to leave their homes.

The volcano is now in its fifteenth day of eruption and the explosive activity has increased in intensity in recent hours, according to the Canary Islands Volcanic Institute.

Source: TT