A sudden volcanic eruption occurred in southern Iceland on Saturday night, adding to a series of eruptions in the region. This has put local infrastructure at risk and prompted the authorities to declare a state of emergency.
Around 8:30 p.m., lava fountains and a nearly two-mile-long fissure emerged on the Reykjanes Peninsula, as reported by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The eruption took place near the town of Grindavik, the Svartsengi Power Plant, and the Blue Lagoon, a popular tourist spot in Iceland.
The meteorological office received indications of a possible eruption only 40 minutes before it occurred. The warning was issued just moments before the eruption began.
Following the eruption, the Blue Lagoon and Grindavik were evacuated, with reports indicating that lava was flowing over the main road leading to Grindavik and heading towards the town and the power plant. Both locations have defensive barriers to protect them from the lava.
Hjordis Gudmundsdottir, a spokeswoman for the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, expressed concerns about the potential risk to two pipes carrying hot water from the geothermal Svartsengi Power Plant to homes on the peninsula.
This eruption is believed to be the largest of the seven that have occurred across the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021, with four taking place since December. Prior to this, the peninsula had been dormant for 800 years.
Meteorologists have raised concerns about the lava flowing into the North Atlantic, as it could lead to small explosions and dangerous gases upon contact with water.
2024-03-17 04:29:49
Article from www.nytimes.com