Why José Andrés Posted This Instagram Video Of A 'Super Active' Volcano
Chef José Andrés is known almost as much for his humanitarian causes as he is for his culinary prowess and success in the restaurant business. That's why it's not surprising that he's lending his name, his influence, and the assistance of the nonprofit relief organization he founded to help those affected by a volcano eruption that's upended life on one of Spain's Canary Islands.
On September 19, the Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted on the small island of La Palma in the Atlantic Ocean off northwest Africa. It has produced clouds of black ash that have darkened the skies over the island as well as "rivers of lava," according to the Associated Press, that destroyed everything in their paths, including hundreds of homes. Villages near the volcano have been evacuated, driving 7,000 of the island's 85,000 residents from their homes.
Andrés — a native of Mieres, Spain and winner of the James Beard Humanitarian of the Year Award (per JoseAndres.com) — went to La Palma with the relief organization he founded, World Central Kitchen. WCK goes to the sites of disasters and humanitarian crises to provide meals to victims and first responders. Recently, the group went to the aid of the homeless Haitian refugees on the Texas border, according to USA Today. From La Palma, Andrés has provided several video updates via his Instagram account. In his most recent, he shares video of the volcano and praises the helpers who have come to the aid of La Palma's citizens.
José Andrés' relief organization is feeding rescue workers
In José Andrés' most recent video from the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the small Canary Island of La Palma, he shows the majestic yet terrifying eruption of lava and fire spewing from the top of the mountain. "As you can see," he narrates, "today it is super active ... You can see all the lava coming down."
He continued by describing the efforts of World Central Kitchen's staff and volunteers, a group of doctors and nurses, in feeding rescue workers. "On top of taking care of any wounded ... tonight they helped us distribute the food in many places where the police, the fire fighters, et cetera, are doing turns of 12 hours." One of the meals served to rescue workers, according to another IG post from Andrés, was guiso fiesta, a traditional meat dish from the Canary Islands.
In an earlier video, Andrés spoke of the hundreds of homes that were expected to be destroyed by the volcano and the families that will continue to be displaced. He expressed gratitude that no lives had been lost in the disaster and said, "My team and I are safe." He praised the rescue workers and volunteers, adding, "It looks beautiful, but this beauty is creating so much damage, chaos ... entire homes are covered in lava." He also added that he is proud of the WCK work happening on La Palma and elsewhere. "Thank you for those supporting World Central Kitchen."