The volcano near Grindavík, Iceland, began erupting early Thursday morning for the third time since December. The incident prompted the closure and evacuation of the popular tourist destination of the Blue Lagoon and prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency.
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), the intense seismic activity began around 5:30 Thursday morning around Mount Sylingarfell, with the eruption occurring half an hour later.
A large crack about 3 kilometers long extended from Mount Sylingarfell to the eastern parts of Mount Stora-Skogfell. According to the IMO, lava spewed about 80 meters into the air.
Activity has begun to decline and the IMO reported that the likelihood of new fractures is also decreasing.
The eruption zone was located northeast of Grindavík, which last year became a ghost town as residents were told to leave their homes when earthquake activity increased significantly and roads in the area developed large cracks.
Officials from Iceland’s Civil Defense and Emergency Management Agency said a state of emergency was declared on Thursday after consulting with emergency authorities in the region.
Authorities reported that the main pipeline supplying hot water to the region was destroyed as a result of lava flowing over it and that there was a hot water problem.
Residents have been asked to preserve as much water and power as possible.
Electric ovens may be used to produce heat, but officials say each residence can only have one since the area’s electrical supply cannot handle greater demand.
“If everyone starts the ovens at the same time, the system can fail,” authorities noted in a news release. “It is therefore important that residents follow instructions and only use one electrical stove for heating.”
According to national public radio RÚV, Keflavik International Airport, the country’s primary international airport, is presently without hot water.
According to RÚV, the absence of hot water has had a “limited effect on the airport’s operations, but developments are closely monitored.”
According to airport authorities, the eruption has not affected any arriving or leaving aircraft, but customers planning to fly into or out of the airport should watch their airlines in case they decide to postpone or cancel flights.
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon closed and evacuated due to eruption.
Blue Lagoon, a renowned tourist site, reported that it has evacuated and shut down activities as a precaution due to the eruption.
Blue Lagoon stated on its website that all guests with bookings during the shutdown would be notified, and the resort will continue to watch emergency officials’ rules and suggestions.
“This commitment aligns with our unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our valued guests and staff,” the company added.
source news: NewyorkPos
