Pedro Sánchez underlines the Government's support for the Canary Islands in dealing with the volcano eruption

President's News - 2021.9.19

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La Palma (Canary Islands)

After a volcano erupted in Montaña Rajada, in the municipality of El Paso, at 15:12 (local time), the head of the Executive postponed his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York (United States) and travelled to the island of La Palma to see first-hand the damage and the coordination of the activated mechanism.

In a joint appearance, the president emphasised that all the institutions - central and regional governments and the City Hall - have collaborated throughout the week to anticipate the eruption and inform the public on how to act when the time comes. The protocols - he pointed out - are being developed as planned, with the fundamental objective of protecting citizens at all times.

Sánchez has pledged the support of the Government of Spain "so that all the material losses can be replaced as soon as possible" and said that the citizens of La Palma "have to be reassured", as all instruments are being used to guarantee their safety. The President, who has been in constant communication with the King, will remain on the island tomorrow to follow the development of the eruption.

Deployment of troops and tools

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa Pedro Sánchez also highlighted the contribution of science which, as happened with Storm Filomena earlier this year, has enabled the National Civil Protection System to anticipate the response, which has deployed sufficient troops to deal with any type of contingency.

The authorities are keeping a close eye on the evolution of the fires caused by the eruption and, in addition to the police and civil guards, forest firefighters and firefighting teams from the Canary Islands Government are working in the area, as are members of the Military Emergency Unit.

The head of the Executive also acknowledged the work of the Red Cross in caring for citizens who have been forced to flee their homes.

Non official translation