"Witnessing Final Chapter Of This Town": Icelandic Volcano Erupts Outside Grindavík
The latest volcanic eruption to hit southwestern Iceland occurred around 0800 local time on the Reykjanes peninsula after quake swarms shook the region for several days. Lava is pouring out of a fissure, threatening the nearby fishing town of Grindavik.
Icelandic President Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson posted on social media platform X that a new volcanic eruption began in the early morning north of Grindavík.
"The town had already been successfully evacuated overnight and no lives are in danger, although infrastructure may be under threat. No interruptions to flights," the president said.
A new volcanic eruption began in the early morning just north of Grindavík. The town had already been successfully evacuated overnight and no lives are in danger, although infrastructure may be under threat. No interruptions to flights. For updated information follow @RuvEnglish pic.twitter.com/9mlOiMohC4
— President of Iceland (@PresidentISL) January 14, 2024
Images of the eruption were posted on X, showing how close the lava is to Grindavík.
We are watching a disaster unfolding in real-time as lava from newly opened volcanic fissure is now entering Grindavík, engulfing first houses in the northern part of the town. pic.twitter.com/pfSQrS8uI5
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) January 14, 2024
"Judging by the pictures, lava is now flowing towards Grindavík," the Met said.
Drone footage shows fiery lava flows setting houses on fire in Grindavik, Iceland.
— ABC News (@ABC) January 15, 2024
Iceland’s president said the country is battling “tremendous forces of nature.” https://t.co/r8WUTYd45t pic.twitter.com/MYvkIl2XoW
The last eruption occurred in December near Grindavík and close to the Svartsengi geothermal power plant.