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Volcanic lava endangers town - 21st February 2024

The south-west region of Iceland has been struck by yet another volcanic eruption, the third such incident since December.

In the neighbourhood of Grindavik, which was evacuated when the first eruption destroyed houses in the settlement, the buildings have so far remained untouched. However, as Fannar Jonasson – the town's mayor – states, the lava flow burst a key water pipe. That's led authorities in the area to declare a state of emergency.

Fannar Jónasson: And it's no less bad that it's so close to the hot water pipe. We don't know what the consequences might be, but it's obviously a very serious matter. But otherwise, we're pleased that Grindavík's infrastructure and buildings are not at risk, as things stand."

Iceland is highly geologically active and has 30 active volcano systems. This example differs from the Icelandic volcano which erupted in 2010, shooting volcanic dust into the atmosphere and severely impacting the world's air traffic. This volcano, located in the Reykjanes peninsula, is what's known as a fissure volcano, since the lava escapes through a side channel or fissure, in a linear way.

The dramatic and fiery explosion was thrilling for Canadian traveller, Jack, who watched, transfixed.

Jack: "I woke up to the siren going off, and, and we packed our stuff up and went out in the parking lot and there's the, there's the volcano going. It was awesome. It was amazing. Just something once in a lifetime, being able to see it."

Reporter: "But, but you were very close to it?" "Yeah, we were like a kilometre maybe."

In contrast, for local residents the overwhelming feeling was one of relief. It follows years of tension, as they waited anxiously. Solny Palsdottir was one of 3,800 residents who were evacuated.

Sólný Pálsdóttir: "It's hard to explain. It's such a relief when it happens. We mustn't forget that we've been in this scenario for four years and that we've been living with these tremors and this tension for so many years.

Experts in volcanology believe this latest series of eruptions might mark the start of a new volcanic era here. Meanwhile, many Grindavik locals fear they'll be prevented from returning home forever.