The Cumbre Vieja volcano, located on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain, erupted in a series of explosive eruptions starting on September 19, 2021. This marked the first significant volcanic activity on the island since 1971, when a smaller eruption occurred. The eruption was characterized by multiple fissures opening along the volcano's flanks, releasing substantial lava flows and ash clouds that reached several kilometers into the atmosphere. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes as a safety precaution, leading to the establishment of emergency response efforts across the island.

The lava flows destroyed infrastructure, including roads, homes, and agricultural land, significantly impacting the local economy, which heavily relies on agriculture and tourism. The government and local authorities implemented evacuation plans while coordinating with scientific teams to monitor volcanic activity. The eruptions also drew attention from the global scientific community as researchers sought to study the behavior of the Cumbre Vieja volcano in real time, aiming to better understand volcanic systems and improve eruption forecasting.

After nearly three months of activity, the eruptions officially ceased on December 13, 2021. The aftermath saw significant changes to the landscape, with new landforms created by the lava flows. Recovery efforts began as authorities worked to support affected residents and assess the damage. Additionally, the recovery phase involved studying the long-term impact on the island's ecology and economy as the community sought to rebuild and adapt to the new environment.