:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/DZMKHHTUZVGGJK7FC2RGA73QWE.jpg "The volcano that was activated after almost 800 years in Iceland destroyed houses and puts one of its most famous paradises in danger")
A volcano erupted in the southwest of Iceland on Sunday, with molten lava consuming several homes in the evacuated town of Grindavik. Iceland’s president, Gudni Th. Johannesson, described the situation as a “discouraging period of unrest” and a battle against “tremendous forces of nature.” The eruption appears to be easing, but the Icelandic Meteorological Office has stated that it is difficult to estimate how long it will last.
This is the second eruption in less than a month in the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region with a long-dormant volcanic system. Residents were ordered to leave the area after a swarm of small earthquakes signaled an imminent eruption. The nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, one of Iceland’s biggest tourist attractions, was also closed in the interest of public safety.
Grindavik, a city of 3,800 situated about 30 miles southwest of the capital Reykjavik, was previously evacuated in November following a series of earthquakes that opened large cracks in the land. Emergency workers have been constructing defensive walls to prevent the lava flow from reaching the city.
Although no fatalities have been reported, one worker is missing after reportedly falling into a fissure opened by the volcano. President Johannesson urged citizens to remain unified and hopeful amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the eruption. Iceland, a nation located above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, has historically experienced eruptions every four to five years.
The latest eruption is not expected to release large amounts of ash into the air, providing some relief to the country’s operations and air travel. Keflavik airport continues to operate as usual.