In 1973, the Eldfell volcano spewed over 220 million tons of molten materials onto Vestmannaeyjar. The eruption destroyed more than 400 homes in 30% of the town. Many of houses were buried under ten to 30 feet of pumice and ash. The majority of the 5,300 residents safely evacuated and later spent years rebuilding. Yet many people never returned. The population is now about 4,200 people.