Heaps of volcanic ash covered Andres Hernandez’s pristine white salt flats, which turned black.
The ash ruined about 33% of Hernandez’s annual production after the Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted in La Palma.
50 years ago, in the last La Palma eruption, the lava stopped just 200 m before his salt work.
Hernandez’s family is used to living near the volcano, but that eruption ruined their business for two years.
Hernandez, who is a 3rd-Gen salt flat owner, is now determined to clean and resume his work as usual.
“It will take lots of work, but we will be able to recover this area,” he said to Reuters.
He added that many people on the island had it worse, as they lost their homes and businesses.
The volcano, which is 18 km away from the saltworks in Fuencaliente, had gushed out lava and ash since September 19.
It destroyed hundreds of buildings and farms and forced thousands of people to evacuate.
However, officials did not properly evaluate the damage to the economy yet.
“When the ash fell, we were about to collect the salt, but it completely covered everything,” Hernandez said.
“It has completely penetrated the grain. It’s impossible to separate.” He also added that nearly 200 tonnes of salt are now ruined.
Additionally, the eruption has hindered tourism in the area and prevented tourists from seeing the saltworks.
“We feel very sad to see the salt flats in this condition. It looks abandoned, with no activity,” Hernandez said.
However, the salt flats will survive, he added.
“Our experience with volcanoes goes a long way, many generations,” he concluded.
