Volcano in Iceland unleashes lava that breaches defence barriers

Lava from a volcanic eruption in Iceland has been stopped by defence ramparts, preventing it from reaching a lagoon and power plant. The eruption occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the fourth time in three months, sending lava into the night sky. The eruption has opened a fissure about 3 kilometers long, with lava flowing south and southeast at 1 kilometer an hour, posing a threat to the ocean. Evacuations were carried out, including the Blue Lagoon thermal spa, a popular tourist spot. The eruption site is near the town of Grindavik, which has been evacuated multiple times due to previous eruptions. The recent eruptions mark a reawakening of the Svartsengi volcanic system after almost 800 years of quiet. Although there have been no confirmed deaths, a worker is missing after falling into a fissure created by the volcano. Despite Iceland’s experience with volcanic activity, the uncertainty surrounding the eruption’s duration and impact on the densely populated Reykjanes Peninsula remains. Flight operations at the nearby main airport were not disrupted during the eruption. This event highlights the ongoing volcanic activity in Iceland and the country’s efforts to manage and mitigate the impact on communities and infrastructure.

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