Iceland Eruption: Lava Engulfs Town
A fresh volcanic eruption has occurred on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, causing significant damage to the coastal fishing town of GrindavÃk.
This is the second eruption in the region in less than a month.
On Sunday, two fissures formed near GrindavÃk following an increase in seismic activity.
The first eruption began at 8am when a crack opened in the ground about 450 metres from the town.
Protective barriers of earth and rock were able to divert the lava flow from this fissure away from the town.
However, a second fissure opened around midday on the edge of town.
By the evening, this fissure had grown to around 100 metres, and the lava from this fissure engulfed homes in the town.
At least three houses were set on fire, with live images from TV broadcaster RUV showing jets of glowing orange lava flowing out and a huge smoke cloud rising against the dark sky.
The Prime Minister of Iceland, KatrÃn Jakobsdóttir, described the situation as “very serious” after some buildings went up in flames.
The community had been evacuated the day before due to the increased seismic activity.
Local resident Sveinn Ari Gudjonsson, who works in the fishing industry, told Agence France-Presse, “In a little village like this one, we’re like a family, we all know each other as family – it’s tragic seeing this. It’s unreal, it’s like watching a film”.
The government of Iceland has met to discuss the response to the eruption and is working to provide for residents’ housing needs.
Temporary measures introduced when GrindavÃk was evacuated in November will be extended.
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