An improvement of conditions has allowed for the reduction in exclusion zones close to the lava flows. The areas opened are shown in the map provided by the Cabildo (pictures 1 and 2), however La Bombilla and Puerto Naos still remain in the exclusion zone, due to continuing high CO2 levels being recorded in the area.

Many new roads are starting to be approved, with the route for a road connecting the north and south of the lava flow field being announced (picture 3). The route has been created taking into account studies of the topography, temperature and stability of different parts of the lava flows by IGME and other authorities. The route will connect La Laguna and Las Norias and is slated to be 3.3 km long. Work on the road will begin from both sides on the 4^th April of the lava flows to speed up its construction.

A second road across the full extent of the lava flow field, the coastal road, will begin construction on the 18^th April for 5 months. The new road will be 5.5 km long and connect Puerto Naos in the south to Argual in the north and has a budget of €38 million.

Lastly, the La Majada road opened for traffic after works completed to excavate the lava flows from on it. This will open access to more than 30 homes that were isolated due to the lava flows. This road will also be connected to the new road completed between Las Manchas and Puerto Naos.

In other news, it has been announced that the tourism industry in La Palma showed the highest growth out of all the Canary Islands in the period between 2019 and 2022, which could help the economic recovery after the volcanic emergency.

Sources: Cabildo de La Palma, El Time