Emergency Declared in Southern Iceland After Volcanic Outburst

News Desk

Islamabad: A state of emergency has been declared in southern Iceland following a deadly volcanic eruption, marking the fourth such event since December of the last year.

Reports from the British Broadcasting Corporation indicate that the volcano is situated near the capital region of the country and has posed a significant threat.

The island has been evacuated as a precautionary measure, with volcanic ash spreading across the area in the aftermath of the eruption.

According to Iceland’s Civil Defense Service, the volcanic activity commenced at 8 pm local time on Saturday.

Footage of the eruption depicts plumes of smoke and rivers of glowing magma streaming down the slopes.

Einar Bessie Gastsen, a natural disaster expert at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, warned that if the lava comes into contact with seawater, it could result in hazardous gases and minor explosions.

Concerns have arisen regarding the potential damage to fiber optic cables running along the roads, which could disrupt phone and internet services in the region.

An estimated 500 to 600 individuals were in the vicinity at the time of the eruption on Saturday.

Additionally, between 5,000 and 10, 000 were evacuated in the nearby town of Grindavik, the same area where another volcano erupted in January.

This eruption, occurring a month after the return of around 4,000 residents to their homes, was so intense that it resulted in the destruction of nearby houses.

This latest eruption marks the seventh occurrence since 2021. Scientists speculate that the region may be entering a new volcanic phase that could span decades or even centuries.