In the Icelandic village of Grindavik, homes have been set on fire following the eruption of two volcanic fissures in the vicinity. At dawn on Sunday, a volcanic eruption occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula, resulting in the discharge of lava into the fishing port.
One authority describes the eruption as "the worst-case scenario," as the entire town's population has been evacuated.
Some of the lava-containing fortifications constructed in December in response to an eruption have been breached.
The primary entrance to the municipality has been obstructed by the volcanic flow.
Gudni Johannesson, president of Iceland, implored the nation via live broadcast on Sunday evening to "stand united and have compassion for those who are unable to be in their homes."
He expressed optimism for the situation to improve, but warned that “anything could happen," according to sources.
A significant amount of seismic activity was place in the Svartsengi volcanic system before to the eruption that took place in December. In the time since then, barriers have been built around the volcano in order to prevent molten rock from reaching the hamlet of Grindavik, which is home to approximately 4,000 people.
Magma was able to infiltrate the town and ignite structures and homes, as stated by the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), which stated that certain portions of the barriers had been overcome.
In the aftermath of the previous eruption, the people living in Grindavik, which is situated in the southwestern portion of Iceland, were once again required to leave their homes.
A science journalist and volcanologist named Robin Andrews sees the current eruption as a "very risky and damaging situation." This is because lava has now infiltrated the community.
He told the sources that the magma discharge from the two ongoing fissures shows no indication of slowing down.
Because of the emission of gases such as sulphur dioxide, which irritates the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, individuals who have pre-existing respiratory illnesses may experience "great difficulties" in the aftermath of the eruption, according to his advice. This is because of the fact that volcanic activity causes the release of gases that cause irritation to the environment.
Prime Minister Katrn Jakobsdóttir has stated that a meeting of the cabinet would take place on Monday in order to discuss the various accommodations that will be provided for the citizens who have been evacuated.
Despite the fact that Grindavik and the rest of Iceland are experiencing cloudy skies today, she proceeded by saying that the sun will ultimately come out again.
Collectively, we will be able to bear this traumatic experience as well as anything else that may come. You have our deepest condolences and thoughts at this time.
The alert level for the entire country has been raised to "emergency," which is the highest tier of a three-tier system that indicates the possibility of harm being caused to communities, individuals, property, or the environment.
Since 2021, this is the fifth eruption to occur along the Reykjanes peninsula, which occurred on Sunday.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which separates the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, two of the greatest tectonic plates and is situated above Iceland. 33 active volcano systems are present.
