By Nathan Allen, Silvio Castellanos

MADRID, Reuters – The eruption of Spain’s La Palma volcano was officially declared over by scientists on Saturday. This comes nearly 100 days after it began to spew lava, rock, and ash that ravaged the lives and livelihoods of many.

The volcano erupted on Sept. 19 and then stopped on Monday, Dec. 13. However, authorities were wary not to raise false hopes so they waited until Christmas Day.

Julio Perez from the Canary Islands, regional security chief said Saturday that she could say all of what she wanted to today in just four words.

Lava had flowed down from the mountains, swallowing houses and churches as well as many banana plantations which make up nearly half of the island’s economy. The destruction of property did not result in the deaths of anyone.

Maria Jose Blanco was the Director of the National Geographic Institute on the Canaries. Although all signs indicated that the eruption had exhausted its energy, she didn’t rule out the possibility for a future activation.

According to emergency services, lava destroyed approximately 3,000 homes. It now covers 1,219 ha. That’s roughly equivalent to 1,500 soccer pitches.

Most of the nearly 7,000 residents who were evacuated have now returned to their homes, although many remaining houses are unsafe due to ash damage. Many roads have been blocked and some plantations cannot be reached by land.

Jacqueline Rehm of Germany and Juergen Dölz from Germany were forced to flee their home in Todoque. They moved to their tiny sailboat for seven weeks.

Rehm (49), stated that nothing could be saved, and no furniture or paintings. He also said they were moving to Tenerife, a nearby island, after Christmas.

“I don’t know if it’s over. “I don’t trust the beast,” she stated.

Although the volcanic roar which served as an constant reminder of the eruption has subsided, islanders don’t have to wear umbrellas or goggles to shield against ash. However, a massive cleanup effort is just beginning.

Although the government has promised more than 400million euros (or $453 million) to rebuild, some people and businesses complain that they are not receiving their funds on time.

($1 = 0.8836 euros)