Lava flows in south-west Iceland have decelerated after a volcanic eruption wreaked havoc, destroying several homes. The Reykjanes peninsula’s volcano erupted on Sunday, inundating the town of Grindavik with molten rock, prompting the evacuation of the local population. Defenses, previously constructed after a December eruption, were breached in certain areas, resulting in house fires. However, by Monday, the lava flow had nearly come to a halt, with officials assuring no imminent danger to the rest of Iceland.
Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) stated that the situation near Grindavik had significantly eased by Monday. He noted that while micro-earthquakes, typically imperceptible to people, were still occurring, their frequency and intensity were diminishing.
Despite the slowdown, the eruption left many Grindavik residents traumatized. Unndor Sigurthsson described the distress of watching her home burn down on live television. Evacuated with minimal belongings, her family was left with only essential items and clothing.
Fortunately, domestic and international flights remained unaffected, with the IMO’s aviation color code for the Reykjanes peninsula indicating an ongoing eruption with minimal ash emission.
Addressing the nation on Sunday evening, President Gudni Johannesson called for unity and compassion towards those displaced. Volcanologist Evgenia Ilyinskaya suggested that the peninsula might be entering a phase of frequent eruptions known as the New Reykjanes Fires, occurring every few months or once a year for several decades or centuries.
The Reykjanes Fires, a series of intense volcanic activities in the 12th century, were preceded by strong tremors before the December eruption in the Svartsengi volcanic system. In response, walls were constructed around the volcano to divert molten rock away from Grindavik, home to approximately 4,000 people.
Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir acknowledged the eruption as a “black day for all of Iceland” but expressed optimism, stating that “the sun will rise again.” The recent eruption marks the fifth along the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021. Situated over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is positioned on the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, boasting 33 active volcano systems.
