Iceland volcano latest: State of emergency as flowing lava threatens region’s main water pipe
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Iceland has experienced its most powerful volcano eruption since December last year on the Reykjanes Peninsula, spewing bright orange lava high into the air.
The eruption has sent fountains of molten rock soaring from a 3km long fissure, with lava now flowing just a few hundred metres from Grindavik, which was first evacuated back in November.
Geophysicist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson was quoted by Icelandic broadcaster RUV as saying this latest eruption is the most powerful so far.
The powerful lava stream has threatened the region’s main water pipe and is just 200m away, the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) said. The water pipe is close to the Svartsengi power plant, a geothermal power plant that provides hot water to most of the peninsula.
The IMO head warned of “dangerous” consequences of lava possibly reaching the sea if it flows southward.
Residents of the fishing town of Grindavik have once again been evacuated from the area, having received text messages telling them to leave with just a few minutes notice.
Pictured: Icelandic lava field
A police officer and engineer stand next to the lava field of a volcanic eruption in Iceland
(EPA)
A view of a lava field formed after a volcanic eruption, near Hagafell in the Reykjanes Peninsula on March 17
(EPA)
Alexander Butler18 March 2024 14:22
Lava close to Svartsengi plant but power remains uninterrupted
Officials said that Svartsengi power plant is fully operational despite the lava coming close and stopping 200 metres from its high-voltage lines and the hot-water pipes.
Kristinn Harðarson, CEO of production at HS Orka, told mbl.is. that the “lava tongue that came there stopped a bit from the high-voltage lines and our hot water pipeline, so there was no impact on those pipelines”.
“Svartsengi is fully operational and there is no interruption due to the eruption. Likewise, all the pipelines from the power plant are safe,” he said.
“We took such preventive measures to ensure electricity security in the power plant and therefore we had to take electricity off Grindavík for a short period because of that.”
Alexander Butler18 March 2024 13:30
Watch live: Iceland volcano spews lava near Grindavik as it erupts for fourth time in three months
Alexander Butler18 March 2024 12:45
Is it safe to travel to Iceland after volcanic eruption? Your rights if you have a holiday booked
Alexander Butler18 March 2024 12:12
Live stream of eruption from Þorbjorn
An eruption began on the Reykjaness Peninsula at 20.32 on Saturday evening, the seventh in almost three years.
Clouds and smoke shroud the view of this close-up 24/7 stream of the crater left behind.
Barney Davis18 March 2024 11:15
Iceland volcano’s powerful lava flows engulf peninsula amid fourth eruption in three months
The eruption began late on Saturday, 16 March, sending luminous orange jets of lava into the night sky.
Fountains of molten rock soared from a 3km long fissure, with lava flowing a few hundred metres from Grindavik, which was first evacuated in November.
Defensive barriers were built to stop it from inundating the main road along the peninsula’s southern coast.
No flight disruptions were reported but hundreds of people were evacuated from the Blue Lagoon thermal spa.
Iceland volcano’s powerful lava flows engulf peninsula amid fourth eruption
Powerful lava flows from a volcano engulfed parts of Iceland’s Reykjavik peninsula during its fourth eruption in three months. The eruption began late on Saturday, 16 March, sending luminous orange jets of lava into the night sky. Fountains of molten rock soared from a 3km long fissure, with lava flowing a few hundred metres from Grindavik, which was first evacuated in November. Defensive barriers were built to stop it from inundating the main road along the peninsula’s southern coast. No flight disruptions were reported but hundreds of people were evacuated from the Blue Lagoon thermal spa.
Barney Davis18 March 2024 10:46
Is it safe to travel to Iceland after volcanic eruption? Your rights if you have a holiday booked
The latest eruption began on the evening of 16 March, with lava reaching the eastern edge of the fishing town of Grindavik – which has mostly been evacuated.
The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) reported: “The eruption began at 20:23 UTC on 16 March, with a 2.9-km-long fissure forming quickly. The length and location of the fissure is similar to the eruption on 8 February 2024.”
Barney Davis18 March 2024 09:30
Drone shots show eruption last night as authorities claim no activity on northern crack
Drone photos taken last night of the stormy activity seen in the southern areas around the abandoned town of Grindavik.
Authorities claim there is no visible activity on the crack on the north side, the pictures are shot from north to south.
(Public Defence)
(Public Defense)
(Public defence)
Barney Davis18 March 2024 08:03
New map shows danger zone if lava reaches sea
Icelandic authorities have planned a new danger zone if lava rushing at 12mph last night manages to reach the sea.
Experts think it is unlikely that lava will reach the sea because it would take two days at current speeds.
A government spokesman added: “As volcanic eruptions continue, it is nevertheless important to be prepared for this scenario as the conditions that could arise are life-threatening to those within the affected area.”
(vedur.is)
Barney Davis18 March 2024 07:53
Watch video of lava gushing
Live streams set up as the volcano was first due to erupt last year captured stunning visuals of a river of lava gushing on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
It is the fourth eruption since December on the peninsula.
Shweta Sharma18 March 2024 06:58
