For the first time in almost 50 days of the eruption in La Palma, experts are optimistic that the end of the eruption is closer as it seems to be beginning to show its first symptoms of fatigue. The decrease in the tremor, the seismic vibrations produced by the eruption, and the gradual reduction in the volume of sulphur dioxide (SO2) being emitted are "positive signs" that the end is nearer.
However, the spokesperson for Pevolca, Carmen López, is being cautious and stressed that the decrease in these parameters needs to show a clear downward trend over a period of time.
The director of the IGN said that, although the evolution of sulphur dioxide emissions has shown a downward trend since September 25th, it remains at "very high levels," and in fact, on Tuesday the volcano emitted 9,600 tons of SO2.
He also stressed that the tremor signal "has dropped a lot" since midday on Tuesday and has been at levels similar to those registered before October 24th, although it has not dropped to the lowest levels that it reached on September 27th when for a few hours, the volcano ceased its eruptive activity.
On the other hand, López stressed that these positive signs should be accompanied by a decrease in seismicity, both in magnitude and frequency, something that, for the moment, has not happened. Yesterday, there was another earthquake of 5.0 magnitude at a depth of 35 kilometres in Villa de Mazo, with the intensity of grade IV-V, which was recorded at 8.27am, only three seconds after another earthquake of 4.8 magnitude. There was also a 4.9 magnitude quake at 5.25pm yesterday afternoon, and both were felt in Tenerife and La Gomera, as well as in La Palma.
Regarding air quality, yesterday the ‘safe levels’ were exceeded for two hours in Puntagorda, between 7am and 8am in Fuencaliente, and at 9am in Los Llanos. The day was also complicated by suspended particles of ash smaller than 10 microns, especially in Los Llanos where the air quality was extremely bad for a good part of the day, according to López.
The good news is that La Palma airport is operating again, and it is expected that today the thermal inversion will disappear, with which gases and particles will disperse at altitude. In any case, the recommendation to the population of the Aridane Valley to use FFP2 masks and to limit exposure to open spaces remains. In addition, the suspension of classes at schools in El Paso, Los Llanos, Tijarafe, Tazacorte and Puntagorda continues.
