In recent weeks, Iceland has tried to build earth and rock barriers near Grindavík to prevent lava from reaching the city, but the latest eruption appears to have breached the defenses.
“According to the first images taken by the Coast Guard surveillance flight, a crack has opened on both sides of the defense structures that have started to be built north of Grindavík,” the Icelandic Meteorological Agency said in a statement.
“Lava is currently flowing towards Grindavík. “Based on measurements taken by Coast Guard helicopters, the perimeter is currently approximately 1,500 feet from the northernmost homes in the city,” the statement read.
This is the second volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in less than a month and the fifth since 2021.
Last month, 4,000 residents were evacuated from Grindavík. Before the evacuation order was renewed Saturday, more than 100 residents had returned to their homes.
Iceland’s civil protection agency said Sunday it had raised the alert level to “emergency”, the highest of three levels. It represents events that can cause damage to people, things and the environment.
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2024-01-14 11:34:40
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