REYKJAVIK, Iceland — Iceland is grappling with the aftermath of a volcanic eruption in the southwest, which has left the town of Grindavik in ruins. President Gudni Th. Johannesson described the situation as a battle against “tremendous forces of nature,” signaling a challenging period ahead for the country.
On Sunday, a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula erupted for the second time in less than a month, spewing molten lava through two fissures near Grindavik. Despite evacuation efforts and an earlier warning from authorities following seismic activity, several houses succumbed to the relentless advance of orange lava.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported on Monday that the eruption seemed to be subsiding, but the duration of the volcanic activity remains uncertain. President Johannesson, in a televised address on Sunday night, emphasized the Reykjanes Peninsula’s entry into a “daunting period of upheaval.”
Key Developments:
- Eruption Overview: The volcanic eruption occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula, marking the second eruption in less than a month. The lava burst through two fissures near Grindavik, causing destruction to homes and prompting evacuations.
- Evacuation Measures: Authorities, alerted by a swarm of small earthquakes, ordered the evacuation of Grindavik before the eruption. Despite these measures, the lava flow consumed several houses in the town.
- Tourist Attraction Closure: The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a major tourist attraction in Iceland, temporarily closed as a precaution. It is set to remain shut until at least Tuesday, reflecting the impact on both residents and the local tourism industry.
- Previous Evacuation in November: Grindavik had already faced evacuation in November when the Svartsengi volcanic system, dormant for almost 800 years, exhibited signs of awakening. The town experienced a volcanic eruption on December 18, leading to the temporary displacement of residents.
- Defensive Measures: Emergency workers have been constructing defensive walls since the December eruption to contain the lava flow. These efforts have prevented extensive damage to Grindavik in the latest eruption.
- Missing Worker: While no casualties have been reported, a worker is missing after allegedly falling into a crack caused by the volcanic activity.
- President’s Address: President Johannesson acknowledged the uncertainty of the situation, emphasizing the need for collective action and expressing hope for a favorable outcome amid the “tremendous forces of nature.”
- Historical Eruption Frequency: Iceland, located above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, typically experiences an eruption every four to five years. The most disruptive in recent memory was the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruption, causing widespread disruption to air travel.
- Minimal Ash Impact: Unlike the 2010 eruption, the current volcanic activity is not expected to release large amounts of ash into the air. Operations at Keflavík Airport are unaffected.
As Iceland faces this challenging period, the focus remains on the safety and well-being of residents, the missing worker, and the ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of the volcanic eruption. The country is united in navigating the unpredictable forces of nature that have once again emerged from beneath its surface.