Three volcanoes erupt in 24 hours… Lands of three countries boil
Volcanic eruptions are a natural phenomenon that occurs when “magma,” the molten rocks beneath the Earth’s surface, rises to the surface.
Volcanic eruptions can be either peaceful or violent, ranging from the flow of viscous volcanic lava to destructive volcanic explosions.
Within 24 hours, three volcanoes erupted in several countries around the world, namely Japan, Indonesia, and Iceland.
Eruption of Mount Sefartangi
The Meteorological Office in Iceland announced on Sunday the eruption of a volcano in the southwest of the country, marking the fifth volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021.
The latest volcanic eruption on the peninsula began on December 18th, following the complete evacuation of the town of Grindavik, with a population of 4,000, and the closure of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a famous tourist site in the country.
Grindavik ultimately escaped as the volcanic lava flowed in a different direction away from the city.
Seismic activity escalated on Saturday night, and authorities evacuated the residents of Grindavik around 3 am on Sunday, according to the Icelandic Public Broadcasting Corporation “RUV.”
Mount Merapi in Indonesia erupts
The Geological Agency in Indonesia reported that Mount Merapi erupted on Sunday, releasing ash up to 1,300 meters from its crater, six weeks after the previous eruption that resulted in casualties.
The agency added that the volcano, located on the western Sumatra Island, erupted at least twice on Sunday, urging residents within a 4.5-kilometer radius of the eruption center to evacuate, citing the possibility of volcanic lava flowing into rivers and valleys.
The agency stated, “In case ash begins to fall like rain from the sky, we advise residents to use masks to protect against respiratory diseases.”
In December, more than 20 people died due to the eruption of Mount Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes on Sumatra Island, with ash clouds reaching a height of three kilometers.
Footage showed volcanic ash from today’s eruption covering houses, vehicles, and evacuation tents set up by the local disaster agency.
Some residents sought medical facilities for respiratory system examinations, and authorities distributed masks.
Eruption of Mount Suwanosejima in Japan
The Japanese government announced on Saturday that a volcano erupted on the remote island of Suwanosejima in southwestern Japan.
A police center in Kagoshima Prefecture reported that no damage had been confirmed due to the eruption.
Later, the government issued a level-three volcano warning, out of five levels, for Suwanosejima, imposing restrictions on access to the hazardous areas around the volcano.
