Houses have been set on fire in the Iceland town of Grindavík after two volcanic fissures opened nearby.
A volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula erupted, causing lava to spill into a fishing town, causing evacuations and partially containing the lava. The main road into the town has been cut off by the lava flow. Iceland’s President Gudni Johannesson urged people to stand together and show compassion for those affected. The volcano’s walls were built to direct molten rock away from Grindavík, home to around 4,000 people.
Scientist Robin Andrews warns of a dangerous situation in Grindavík, Iceland, as lava from two fissures continues to pour into the town. The damage is difficult to map and could be problematic for those with pre-existing respiratory problems, as volcanic activity releases irritant gases.
Iceland’s Prime Minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, has raised the country’s alert level to “emergency” following the fifth eruption along the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021. The country, located over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, has 33 active volcano systems and is preparing for the upcoming housing measures for evacuated residents. The country’s thoughts and prayers are with the affected communities.