A volcanic eruption commenced on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula on Monday, the culmination of weeks of heightened seismic activity in the region. The eruption, situated near the town of Grindavik, has concerns of gas pollution reaching the capital, Reykjavik, and has prompted the evacuation of approximately 4,000 residents.
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The volcanic activity comes in the intense earthquakes and tremors that have rattled the Reykjanes peninsula since late October.
The Meteorological Office issued warnings that gas emissions from the eruption could impact Reykjavik by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.
Reports indicate that the eruption’s power has decreased since its onset, but gases pose a threat to the capital.
Eyewitnesses in Reykjavik describe a surreal scene, with half of the sky illuminated in red hues from the eruption, while smoke billows into the air.
The eruption is visible from the capital, which is approximately 42 km northeast of Grindavik. Social media has been flooded with images and videos capturing the display.
Grindavik, a fishing town located about 4 km southeast of the eruption site, faced threats as lava flowed towards its vicinity.
Last month, authorities had evacuated around 4,000 residents from Grindavik as a remeasure against the anticipated volcanic activity. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and described the eruption as both crazy and scary.
Local resident Aoalheiour Halldorsdottir, living in Sandgeroi, approximately 20 km from Grindavik, shared her experience of witnessing the eruption.
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She recounted the fear she felt, while the region is accustomed to volcanic activity, this event stood out as particularly intense.
The eruption originated from an approximately 3.5 km in length, and the lava flow rate ranged between 100 to 200 cubic meters per second.
According to the Met Office, this flow rate is is higher than recent eruptions in the Reykjanes peninsula.
Experts do not anticipate the eruption to cause the level of disruption witnessed during the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.
Unlike the 2010 event, which led to a closure of European airspace, experts believe the current eruption is unlikely to generate ash clouds of a similar magnitude.
Authorities in Iceland had been on high alert for weeks leading up to the eruption, having ordered the evacuation of Grindavik in anticipation of volcanic activity.
Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir reassured the public that recent defenses constructed would have a positive impact.
President Gudni Johannesson said this sentiment, addressing the focus on protecting lives and structures. He acknowledged the threat posed by the eruption but expressed confidence in the preparedness measures implemented by authorities.
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Volcanologist Dr. Evgenia Ilyinskaya, an associate professor of volcanology at Leeds University, provided insights into the characteristics of the current eruption.
She noted that the volcanoes in southwest Iceland are physically not able to generate the same ash clouds as those witnessed in the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption.
The Eyjafjallajokull eruption in 2010 led to disruptions in air travel due to the massive ash cloud generated.
In contrast, the current eruption’s impact is expected to be less severe, with a focus on lava flows threatening homes and infrastructure.
Iceland, known for its landscapes and geological wonders, often attracts tourists eager to witness natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions.
Matthew Watson, a professor of volcanoes and climate at the University of Bristol, described the style of the current eruption as “amongst the most spectacular ever seen.”
Iceland’s Foreign Minister, Bjarni Benediktsson, provided assurance that there were no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland, and international flight corridors remained open.
Airlines and aviation authorities are taking precautions to ensure the safety of flights and passengers, considering the potential for gas pollution.
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