La Palma Volcano Victims Challenge Government Secrecy
The Tierra Bonita association, formed by those affected by the 2021 Tajogaite volcano eruption—Europe’s worst volcanic disaster in a century—continues its battle against what it calls “a systemic lack of transparency” in the crisis management. The group has now filed formal complaints with Spain’s Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo, and the Canary Islands’ Deputy Ombudsman, Dolores Padrón, demanding access to recordings from the Scientific Committee and Pevolca (Canary Islands Volcanic Emergency Plan) meetings held just before the eruption.
Demand for Accountability
Tierra Bonita insists the Canary Islands government must either release anonymized recordings or legally certify their nonexistence, as Pevolca regulations require official minutes. The association also calls for an independent legal review, arguing that the government’s internal report was biased and failed to prioritize public safety during the emergency.
Flaws in Emergency Response
The group demands a reevaluation of the Ombudsman’s original eruption report, citing critical omissions: no preemptive evacuations despite scientific warnings, withheld Pevolca recordings, and ignored victim testimonies. “Only impartial legal scrutiny can restore public trust and ensure institutional learning,” states Tierra Bonita.
Contradictions and Concealment
Despite government claims of confidentiality, Tierra Bonita notes suspicious inconsistencies. In May, authorities denied the existence of a promised legal report—only to release one weeks later, dated May 31, admitting no written minutes existed but downplaying the relevance of available recordings. The association maintains these recordings hold vital public interest, documenting why mandatory orange-alert evacuations weren’t ordered despite clear eruption signs.
Evidence of Unheeded Warnings
Tierra Bonita’s investigation, published in ElValldeAridane.com and the print journal En Busca de la Verdad, proves scientists from IGN, Involcan, IGME, and IEO had warned of imminent eruption—a fact later contradicted in official reports. Eyewitness accounts confirm forest rangers and volunteer firefighters were told of the danger by morning on eruption day (September 19, 2021), yet only hunters received evacuation orders. Residents of El Paraíso, Los Campitos, and Todoque were either reassured or discouraged from attending safety briefings.
Chaotic Self-Evacuations
Without preventive measures, thousands were forced to flee mid-eruption, losing homes, belongings, and livestock. “This institutional opacity demands urgent intervention,” argues Tierra Bonita, warning that suppressing Pevolca records sets a dangerous precedent for public safety and accountability. The Ombudsman has previously intervened in similar cases, including COVID-19 management and environmental disasters.
