Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez promises 206 million euros for La Palma affected by the volcano

Spain will contribute 206 million euros (239 million dollars) to help the island of La Palma recover from its volcanic eruption, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Sunday.

“Next Tuesday, the cabinet will approve a package of very powerful measures” to help in areas such as rebuilding infrastructure, water supply, employment, agriculture and tourism, he told a press conference during a visit to the island.

The Cumbre Vieja volcano began its eruption on September 19 and has destroyed more than 900 buildings. Approximately 6,000 people have been evacuated from their homes on the island out of a population of approximately 83,000.

The financial package is the second stage of a plan approved last week. In the first stage, the government announced an aid of 10.5 million euros (12.3 million dollars) for the immediate assistance of those who had lost their homes.

“I would like to convey all the solidarity of the Spanish people. Today, Spain is with the residents of La Palma more than ever,” said Sánchez.

(REUTERS)