Iceland on Edge: Volcano Eruption Threatens Grindavik, Sparks Evacuation
In a dramatic turn of events, a volcano erupted in southwest Iceland on Sunday, creating a potential threat to the nearby small fishing town of Grindavik. The town had been evacuated earlier, and while no lives were in immediate danger, the eruption posed concerns for the town's infrastructure. Live videos captured fountains of molten rock and smoke spewing from fissures in the ground across a wide area, leaving residents and authorities on high alert.
President Gudni Johannesson reassured the public that no lives were in danger, emphasizing that the evacuation measures had been successful. However, he acknowledged potential threats to infrastructure. The eruption, which began early on Sunday north of Grindavik, marked the second evacuation for the town in just a few months, following fears of an imminent outbreak amid heightened seismic activity.
Efforts were made to build barriers of earth and rock in recent weeks to prevent the lava from reaching Grindavik, situated about 40 km (25 miles) southwest of the capital Reykjavik. Unfortunately, the eruption appeared to have penetrated the town's defenses, raising concerns about the potential impact.
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, a crack has opened on both sides of the defenses built north of Grindavik, with lava flowing towards the town and coming within an estimated 450 meters (1,500 feet). The nearby geothermal spa Blue Lagoon closed as a precautionary measure, and the situation continues to unfold.
Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir expressed her concerns about the proximity of the eruption to the town, emphasizing the frightening nature of the situation. Based on flow models, if the lava continues its path toward Grindavik, it could reach the town within a few hours, as per IMO statements.
This eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula is the second in less than a month and the fifth since 2021. The Svartsengi volcanic system witnessed an eruption in December, prompting the evacuation of Grindavik residents and closing the popular tourist spot, Blue Lagoon.
Iceland, known for its dynamic geological activity, boasts more than 30 active volcanoes, making it a prime destination for volcano tourism. The country faced international attention in 2010 when ash clouds from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano disrupted air travel over Europe.
The current eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula is not expected to generate ash clouds similar to those experienced in 2010, as the volcanic systems are not trapped under glaciers. However, the situation remains dynamic, and authorities are closely monitoring developments.
