Lava from an erupting volcano engulfed homes in Grindavik, an evacuated fishing village in Iceland, on Monday, presenting a severe natural challenge, as described by the country’s president. The eruption, awakening a long-dormant volcanic system on the Reykjanes peninsula, has plunged the region into uncertainty.
The town of Grindavik, formerly housing around 4,000 residents, witnessed its neighborhoods consumed by fiery lava, an event that left many in disbelief, closely monitoring through live streams.
In a broadcast on Sunday night, President Gudni Th. Johannesson referred to the eruption as the start of a challenging phase for the Reykjanes peninsula. The volcanic activity, resuming after a lengthy hiatus, began its second eruption in less than a month early on Sunday. Officials had previously evacuated the area, anticipating the eruption following a series of minor earthquakes.
Rakel Lind, a 42-year-old personal trainer from Grindavik, expressed her disbelief, having never imagined such an event despite being aware of the geological risks. Since November, Lind and her family have resided in Reykjavik, following initial evacuation orders when the Svartsengi volcanic system showed signs of activity after almost 800 years.
The initial eruption on December 18 had spared Grindavik, allowing some residents to return briefly. However, the subsequent eruption on Sunday morning has posed a new threat to the town. Lind, whose house has suffered damage, lamented the loss of her community’s close-knit spirit.
Geophysicist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson noted a significant decrease in the eruption’s intensity, but the end remains uncertain. Emergency teams have been constructing barriers to halt the lava’s advance towards the town.
So far, there have been no fatalities due to the eruptions, but a worker is missing after reportedly falling into a fissure caused by the volcanic activity.
President Johannesson emphasized the importance of perseverance and unity in facing these formidable natural forces. He expressed hope for the best possible outcome and reassured the commitment to ongoing efforts and solidarity.
Iceland, positioned over a volcanic hotspot in the North Atlantic, typically experiences an eruption every four to five years. The most impactful in recent history was the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption, which severely disrupted trans-Atlantic flights due to the extensive ash cloud it produced.
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The current eruption is not expected to emit significant ash. Keflavík Airport operations remain unaffected, according to Gudjon Helgason, a spokesperson for the airport operator Isavia.
