Lava flow impacts on buildings and infrastructure: taking lessons from La Palma to NZ

The Auckland Volcanic Field includes at least 53 volcanoes across Auckland, and past eruptions show that lava flows can travel several kilometres from a vent. Because lava flow impacts on modern cities are rare, the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma in the Canary Islands provides a valuable case study for understanding what a future Auckland eruption could involve. That eruption lasted 85 days and included ashfall, lava flows, and the formation of a new scoria cone — features that are also possible in Auckland.

By examining La Palma, researchers can better understand the likely scale of damage, response timeframes, and infrastructure challenges that may arise during and after an eruption.

The research draws on satellite images, drone footage, field damage assessments, and local expertise from GeoTenerife to identify lessons for Auckland. In La Palma, lava flows covered about 10 km², displaced around 7,000 people, damaged critical infrastructure, and required recovery work to begin while lava was still hot and emitting gases.

These findings are being used to test a future Auckland eruption scenario and inform preparedness, response, and recovery planning. The work highlights how international case studies can help New Zealand agencies better anticipate lava flow impacts and strengthen planning for complex volcanic events.