Lava Consumes Homes in Grindavik, President Addresses Nation

In a televised address late Sunday, Iceland’s President, Gudni Th. Johannesson described the country as facing “tremendous forces of nature” as molten lava from a volcano in the southwest of the island engulfed several houses in the evacuated town of Grindavik. While scientists suggested on Monday that the eruption seemed to be subsiding, it was deemed premature to declare an end to the potential danger.

President Johannesson emphasized that Iceland is entering a “daunting period of upheaval” on the Reykjanes Peninsula, awakened by a long-dormant volcanic system. The eruption, the second on the peninsula in less than a month, saw orange lava bursting through two fissures near the fishing town of Grindavik. Authorities had issued evacuation orders hours before, prompted by a swarm of small earthquakes indicating an imminent eruption.

Grindavik, home to 3,800 people about 50 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik, had already been evacuated in November when the Svartsengi volcanic system stirred after nearly 800 years of dormancy, causing large cracks in the earth. The volcano erupted on December 18, with lava flowing away from Grindavik. Residents were allowed to return on December 22, and defensive walls built by emergency workers held much of the lava flow from the new eruption short of the town.

The Icelandic Met Office reported on Monday that “lava flow has decreased from the eruptive fissures that opened yesterday. The remaining lava is now primarily moving southwest along protective barriers, with a stabilized trajectory.”

As of now, there have been no reported fatalities due to the eruptions. However, a worker is currently unaccounted for after reportedly falling into a crevice created by the volcano.

The president emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the eruption’s development, urging proactive measures within the scope of available resources. He affirmed the commitment to fulfilling responsibilities and standing united in the face of the ongoing challenges.

Expressing optimism, the president conveyed ongoing hopes for the best possible outcome amid the formidable forces of nature.

Iceland, situated above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, experiences an average of one eruption every four to five years. The 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which disrupted trans-Atlantic air travel for months by spewing ash into the atmosphere, was the most disruptive in recent times.

The ongoing eruption is not expected to release significant amounts of ash into the air. Operations at Keflavík Airport are continuing as usual, according to Gudjon Helgason, spokesperson for airport operator Isavia.

As Iceland navigates this latest natural challenge, the resilience of its people and the ongoing efforts of emergency workers remain crucial in mitigating the impact on affected communities.