A volcano splits the ground in a European city
The coastal Icelandic city of Grindavik, located near the capital Reykjavik, is facing complete destruction due to an imminent eruption of a violent volcano.
The city, with approximately 4,000 inhabitants, was evacuated last weekend due to increased magma movement beneath the Earth’s crust, which could be an indication of an impending volcanic eruption.
The head of Civil Protection and Emergency Management in Iceland, Vídir Reynisson, stated, “We are extremely concerned about the condition of all the homes and infrastructure in the area. The presence of magma at a very shallow depth indicates the expectation of an eruption within a few hours, at least within a few days.”
Grindavik is situated about 40 kilometers southwest of the capital and is close to the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Station, which is the main source of electricity and water for the Reykjanes Peninsula inhabited by thirty thousand residents.
The city is also near the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a famous tourist destination temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
Authorities raised the aviation alert status to orange, indicating an increased risk of a volcanic eruption.
Volcanic explosions pose a threat to air travel due to the potential emission of ash that could damage engines and disrupt aviation control systems.
In July, a volcanic eruption occurred in the Reykjanes Peninsula, when a fissure opened between the Fagradalsfjall and Keilir mountains. This marks the third eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano in the past 3 years.
