Members of the Unidad Militar de Emergencias start the massive clean-up operation on La Palma, shifting the piles of ash left by the Cumbre Vieja volcano. /VCG
There was a much-wanted Christmas present for the residents of La Palma yesterday as scientists declared the volcanic eruption on the island officially over.
The Spanish Canary Island has suffered for more than three months after the Cumbre Vieja volcano began to spew out lava, rock and ash on September 19 – devastating the lives of thousands of islanders.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the eruption's end "the best Christmas present."
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Adding on Twitter: "We will continue working together, all institutions, to relaunch the marvellous island of La Palma and repair the damage."
The activity officially finished Saturday following 10 days of no lava flows, seismic activity or significant sulphur dioxide emissions.
Ash from almost three months of eruptions has swamped buildings in La Palma. /VCG
But now the clean-up effort begins. Thousands buildings were destroyed by the eruption along with large swathes of farmland. About 7,000 people were evacuated from their homes and the cost of the damage from the eruption could exceed 900 million euros ($1.0 billion), according to regional officials.
The government has so far promised 225 million euros ($255m) in aid funding to recovery efforts, including buying temporary housing and providing financial assistance to people who lost their jobs.
Cover picture: The Cumbre Vieja volcano was still furiously erupting earlier in December. /VCG