Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted on Thursday, the meteorological office said, spraying red-hot lava and smoke in its sixth outbreak since December. Studies had shown magma accumulating underground, prompting warnings of new volcanic activity in the area located just south of Iceland's capital Reykjavik.
The eruption began after 9 pm following a series of strong earthquakes, and within the hour a 4-kilometre fissure cut through the Sundhnúkur crater.
The most recent eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula, home to 30,000 people or nearly 8% of the country's total population, ended on June 22 after spewing fountains of molten rock for 24 days.
Authorities have constructed barriers to redirect lava flows away from critical infrastructure, including the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, the Blue Lagoon outdoor spa and the town of Grindavik. Grindavik, home to one of Iceland's key fishing ports and nearly 4,000 people, has been abandoned since late last year, when residents were first ordered to evacuate.
Volcanic outbreaks in the Reykjanes peninsula are called fissure eruptions, which do not usually disrupt air traffic because they do not cause large explosions or significant dispersal of ash into the stratosphere.
Iceland, which is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Kentucky, boasts more than 30 active volcanoes, making the north European island a prime destination for volcano tourism - a niche segment that attracts thrill seekers.
As news of the eruption spread, hundreds of curious onlookers drove to nearby vantage points for a view of the stunning natural phenomenon that has become a key tourist attraction.
“We just thought that it was the northern lights," said Mahnoor Ali, visiting from Maryland in the US. "It's like the coolest thing I've seen in my whole life, honestly.”
Friends Ameerul Awalludin from Malaysia and Shohei Miyamito from Japan were with an Icelandic friend when they heard the news and rushed to near the eruption. “We have like a volcano as well," said Miyamito, but “we cannot see lava like this.”
