La Palma volcanic eruption of 1971

The eruption of the Teneguía volcano was a volcanic eruption that occurred in 1971 on the island of La Palma ―Canary Islands, Spain―. It is one of the most recent historical eruptions that occurred in the Canary Islands, being the most recent non-submarine eruption in Spain until September 2021.

The fissure and strombolian eruption reached a grade 2 volcanic explosivity index and lasted 24 days, from October 26 to the following November 18.

Location

The eruption took place in the southern vertex of the island, in the municipality of Fuencaliente de La Palma at about 350 m s. no. m.. This area is part of the Cumbre Vieja volcanic or ridge complex, which is the geologically youngest part of the island and is structured in a north-south eruptive axis.

Development of the rash

On October 20, the tremors began and their intensity increased, which alerted the residents of Fuencaliente and the authorities deployed civil protection measures.

The eruption began at 4:25 p.m. local time on October 26, 1971, and lasted until November 18 of that year. It is estimated that the volcano spewed some 40 million cubic meters of lava to the surface. It was a relatively short eruption, being in fact the shortest in history in the Canary Islands.

Consequences

The eruption caused two deaths, although one of them has not been officially recognized, and two other minor injuries. All of them by inhalation of toxic vapors.

The final assessment of losses was six million pesetas, mainly in roads, vine crops and some homes.

The lava flows covered an area of 2,135,000 m², although they did not affect populated areas and the lava poured into the sea made the island gain 290,000 m² of land. Likewise, a new beach was formed, known as like Playa Nueva or Echentive.

The volcano became a tourist attraction, and numerous charter flights and special frequencies were scheduled to meet the demand for tickets from tourists who wanted to see the volcano. It was also a major focus of attention and study for scientists at the time.