It is not every day that you get to witness a volcano eruption.

The most you can get is a well-constructed CGI scene from a television show or movie - but to witness it firsthand? That sure is a rare occurrence. Evidently, though, only some people are lucky enough to be able to experience something as magnificent as bright red lava erupting from a volcano and engulfing everything in its way.

One of these lucky people happened to be photographer Arturo Rodriguez, born and raised in La Palma.

Deims | Before Arturo could return to the island, the island decided to call him itself

Good Day for a Lava Eruption

It was a typical day for Rodriguez, who was already preparing to visit the island with scientists looking to study the numerous volcanoes present on its land. But hot showers resulted in cold chills down the spine as Rodriguez heard the news on the TV about the volcano's eruption. However, it was not a mere coincidence; the neighboring islands of La Palma had reported experiencing a series of earthquakes indicating the moving magma underneath.

The Moment of a Lifetime

Rodriguez knew that he’d probably never experience such a moment again, so he changed his flight and flew to the location hours later. In the midst of the flame, dust, and smokey clouds, Rodriguez managed to snap photos that will be cherished by scientists forever.

The photos contained pictures of lava boiling out of the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge. Still, despite the harrowing yet breath-taking image, Rodriguez was hit with another reality: what would become of the locals of La Palma?

Arturo Rodriguez | The destruction is La Palma was unsalvagable

The Livelihood of People of La Palma

The volcano's eruption had left almost 2,500 buildings in shambles and forced thousands of people out of the comfort of their homes. A thick layer of ash began to cover the grounds, destroying the agricultural land and doing what lava does best: demolish everything in its way.

Rodriguez mentioned that while he was sad to see the people desperately trying to get away, the feeling of pain hit a bit too close to home when he spotted his cousin in the crowd. The photographer dropped his equipment and ran to help his cousin who was trying to accumulate his belongings into boxes.

Arturo Rodriguez | Scientists have started looking for clues to what's happening under the surface that's causing the eruptions

Now it has been 2 months since the eruption. Rodriguez fears for the island’s future since most of its economy relies on banana farming, which is now impossible as hundreds of acres of land are covered with lava.