Iceland's Volcano Eruption Foils Christmas Homecomings
Residents in an Icelandic fishing town had their hopes of spending Christmas at home crushed when a nearby volcano violently erupted on Monday night, weakening any chances of a festive celebration
Residents in an Icelandic fishing town had hoped to celebrate Christmas at home, but those hopes were shattered by the violent eruption of a nearby volcano on Monday night. The volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula erupted around 10 p.m. local time (5 p.m. ET), unleashing lava and massive plumes of smoke into the air from a vent approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) long.
Last month, the 4,000 residents of GrindavÃk, the only town located 3 kilometers south of the volcano, were evacuated due to increasing seismic activity in anticipation of an eruption. However, it seems that the eruption is now slowing down, signaling a positive outcome for the properties in the coastal town.
The mayor of Grindavík, Fannar Jónasson, announced on Tuesday night that residents will not be able to spend Christmas in their homes due to the eruption. He expressed disappointment that the hope of celebrating Christmas at home has been extinguished.
The volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula erupted on Monday evening.
Marco Di Marco/AP
In the first two hours of the eruption, hundreds of cubic meters of lava were being released per second.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Jónasson has emphasized the urgent importance of tackling the housing crisis head-on and providing assistance to families at risk of being without secure accommodation in the near future. He mentioned that authorities are actively pursuing different housing options.
In addition, Jónasson mentioned that all roads to Grindavík are currently closed and will continue to be closed for the next few days. Only emergency responders and contractors working on protective barriers will have access.
Eruption weakens
Although there are currently no immediate threats to infrastructure, roads, or pipelines, the mayor expressed concerns that if the lava were to flow westward, the main road leading to Grindavík, Grindavíkurvegur, could be at risk.
During the initial two hours of Monday's eruption, hundreds of cubic meters of lava were being released per second. However, by early Tuesday, the intensity and seismic activity in the area had decreased, as reported by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. As Tuesday evening approached, the eruption continued to weaken in terms of both seismic activity and lava flow.
The situation's volatility was emphasized by the meteorological office's warning that "there is an increased likelihood that more vents may open" along the volcano's original fissure, as well as "further north or south."
University of Iceland scientists are taking measurements and samples from the eruptive fissure of an active volcano near Grindavik, Iceland. This took place on Tuesday, December 19, as they stood on the ridge. (Credit: Marco Di Marco/AP)
An aerial view shows volcanic activity in Grindavik on December 19.
Marco Di Marco/AP
People view the volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in south west Iceland.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
A drone picture shows lava spewing from the site of the volcanic eruption north of Grindavik, on December 19.
Sigurdur Davidsson/Reuters
This image made from video provided by the Icelandic Coast Guard shows its helicopter flying near to magma.
Icelandic Coast Guard/AP
A close-up of the southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on December 19.
Marco Di Marco/AP
The evacuated Icelandic town of Grindavik, right, is seen as smoke billows and lava is thrown into the air during the volcanic eruption.
Viken Kantarci/AFP/Getty Images
A police vehicle is parked at the entrance of the road to GrindavÃk.
Marco Di Marco/AP
Local residents watch smoke billow as the lava colors the night sky orange on December 19.
Kristin Elisabet Gunnarsdottir/AFP/Getty Images
A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts in Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday, December 18.
Civil Protection of Iceland/Reuters
Photos: Volcano erupts on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula
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The new vent openings may have a very short warning time, according to reports. A CNN team on the ground observed visible earthquake damage in the town on Tuesday, but it seems that residents' homes may be spared from additional damage caused by the lava eruptions.
The meteorological office has estimated that the current lava flow is only about one-quarter of its initial eruption, and that only a third of the volcanic vent remains active. Geologists reported on Tuesday that the lava seems to be moving away from Grindavík, according to Reuters.
There is positive news for international travel as the government of Iceland confirmed on Tuesday that international flight routes are still open. In addition, they stated that fissure eruptions typically do not lead to major explosions or the significant release of ash into the stratosphere. Icelandair also reassured the public with a statement on Tuesday morning, emphasizing that the event has not impacted their flight schedule.
Past volcanic eruptions in Iceland have extended for weeks, and occasionally even months. The Fagradalsfjall volcanic system initially erupted in March 2021 and proceeded to release new lava for a duration of six months.
This report includes contributions from CNN's Frederik Pleitgen and Claudia Otto.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
