HELPING THE VICTIMS OF LA PALMA
UD Lanzarote is asking their supporters and friends to help the people of our fellow Canarian island of La Palma in their hour of need; with clothes, shoes, blankets, sheets, towels and anything that could be useful to families who have lost everything.
The world has now heard of this catastrophic volcanic eruption that has forced 6000 people to evacuate their homes and has left many homeless as the lava flow has swallowed up hundreds of their homes. Thankfully there have been no fatalities.
If you have any items to donate they can be handed in at the club at Calle Isleño 4, Arrecife Monday to Friday from 9am to 12 noon and evenings 6-8pm. In Costa Teguise items can be taken to the shop at CC Nautical, Local 25 (behind Café Bonjour) Mon to Friday from 10am to 1pm and also Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm. In Puerto Del Carmen please go to The Irish Harbour Bar in the Old Town and leave items with club director David Timmons any evening of the week.
We are sure that aid will come to the island but as we all know that takes time and right now its paramount that the locals receive help.
Lava evaporating peoples homes.
Lanzarote´s next match is away this Saturday in Gran Canaria and their opponents UD Villa Santa Brígida are organising a raffle for a club shirt and also a UD Lanzarote shirt. A minimum donation is 2 Euros and this can be paid by Bizum to (0034)690632280 and state your full name and contact phone number. All gate receipts and raffle takings for this match will go to the Palmeros (locals).
For the past 25 years I have been fascinated with that part of La Palma, Cumbre Vieja (Old Summit) and two months ago I was delighted to finally see it in all its beauty. Who would have known how dramatically it would change in such a short time.
A view of Cumbre Vieja taken on my recent visit.
La Palma is a young Canarian island with 83,000 inhabitants but because of its youth it is still forming which means it is active and events like this albeit devastating are natural. Lanzarote is one of the oldest islands and with the huge eruptions that occurred here in 1730 for six years, the islands mass increased in size by a third. This means whilst some volcanoes are dormant it is unlikely that they would erupt however nature does not guarantee.
The experts have stated that none of the other Canarian islands are in danger and no flights have been cancelled.
