Icelandic police have issued a warning for tourists to exercise caution when attempting to get close to the site of a spectacular volcanic eruption near Grindavík, following a dramatic rescue mission carried out just hours after the eruption occurred.
The eruption, which followed weeks of intense earthquake activity, has become a major attraction for tourists and volcano enthusiasts alike. However, the Icelandic police have cautioned visitors to the area to “think four times” before attempting to reach the site.
The warning comes after a hiker had to be rescued by helicopter on Tuesday after becoming exhausted, cold, and shocked halfway through the eruption. According to the police, the 11-12 mile (18-20km) route to the site is “extremely challenging” and can take an experienced hiker up to 4-5 hours to complete.
Not only is the terrain difficult to navigate but the wet surface is expected to freeze over on Wednesday, making the journey even more treacherous. In addition, there is also considerable gas pollution in the area, adding to the already hazardous conditions.
The unique nature of this particular eruption, which is spread across a 4km lava-spewing fissure, makes it especially challenging for visitors. This is in contrast to previous eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula, which have been more contained and easier to approach.
‘The Lord of the Rings’ Volcano in Iceland
Watch Iceland’s recent volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Nearly 4 kilometers of fissures spewing forth a river of lava #iceland #volcano #LordOfTheRings pic.twitter.com/9mjpxrZQ3B
— Science Place (@science_place) December 20, 2023
Despite the warning from authorities, many have been flocking to the area to witness the eruption, which has created a bright orange glow visible from miles around.
One witness, Unnur Íris Bjarnadóttir, drove with her family from Reykjavík to view the fissure from a safe distance. She described the eerie scene, saying “the earth was really white and then there was a really big orange sky in front of us.”
The Icelandic meteorological office reported on Wednesday that the power, seismicity, and deformation from the eruption have decreased. Surveillance photos also show that the activity is now constrained to two craters, down from three.
However, the police are urging visitors to exercise caution and avoid getting too close to the site. The volatile nature of volcanic eruptions makes them extremely unpredictable, and visitors could put themselves in grave danger by attempting to approach too closely.
The eruption on Monday night began with a powerful seismic swarm at 9 pm, followed by an eruption at 10:17 pm. The police are maintaining a strong presence in the area to ensure the safety of visitors and to prevent any further accidents.
The Icelandic public has been captivated by this latest eruption, with many making the journey to witness it firsthand. However, the police are reminding everyone to prioritize their safety and think carefully before attempting to get a closer look at the site.
