# La Palma volcanic eruption reconstruction

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/la-palma-volcanic-eruption-reconstruction
> Updated: 2026-09-18T08:24:34.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 2.

Five years after the Tajogaite volcanic eruption on La Palma, reconstruction efforts for housing and agriculture remain a significant challenge. The 85-day eruption in 2021 destroyed approximately 1,676 buildings, including 1,345 homes, and covered over 1,200 hectares of land in Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso, and Tazacorte, with total economic damages estimated at nearly 1 billion euros.

In the agricultural sector, restoring banana plantations requires intensive processes such as leveling lava flows, installing retaining walls and irrigation systems, and importing fertile soil. Farmers must obtain municipal licenses to reclaim land, with the cost to recover a single hectare estimated by ASEPALMA to be between 550,000 and 750,000 euros.

The housing crisis persists as residents face high construction costs and a limited supply of available land. While tourism in areas like Puerto Naos shows signs of recovery with high hotel occupancy, many displaced families still struggle with the scarcity of permanent housing.

Funding discrepancies continue to be a point of contention. While the Government of the Canary Islands provides 50 million euros annually, the Spanish central government has faced criticism for failing to meet its 100 million euro annual commitment, having only provided funds for 2023.

Administrative and social tensions remain, with local associations like Tierra Bonita demanding “a profound change in reconstruction management,” including greater transparency and citizen participation. On a scientific level, the eruption has led to improved volcanic monitoring, such as the development of the ALERTA CO2 network and enhanced seismic observation capabilities by the National Geographic Institute.

## Claims

- The Tajogaite volcanic eruption occurred five years ago. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Economic damages to public and private property are estimated between 906.8 million and 1 billion euros. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Lava covered 1,218.87 hectares across Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso, and Tazacorte. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The eruption destroyed 1,676 buildings, including 1,345 permanent residences. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Recovering one hectare of agricultural land costs approximately 550,000 euros, rising to 750,000 euros with greenhouses. (single source)
- The Spanish central government has failed to meet its commitment of 100 million euros annually, paying only for 2023. (single source)
- The Canary Islands government contributes 50 million euros per year toward reconstruction. (single source)
- The Tierra Bonita association is calling for a change in reconstruction management and more transparency. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-18: La Palma faces ongoing reconstruction challenges five years after Tajogaite eruption

Five years after the Tajogaite eruption in La Palma, reconstruction efforts face challenges in housing, agriculture, and funding, despite signs of tourism recovery and improved scientific monitoring.

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/la-palma-continues-reconstruction-five-years-after-tajogaite-eruption

### 2026-09-16: La Palma volcano: displaced residents face housing crisis and aid transparency disputes

Five years after the La Palma volcanic eruption, displaced residents remain in container homes while a legal battle unfolds over the transparency of government aid distribution.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/la-palma-volcano-displaced-residents-face-housing-crisis-and-aid-transparency-disputes

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Cite as: La Palma volcanic eruption reconstruction. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/la-palma-volcanic-eruption-reconstruction