The eruption occurred about 40 kilometers from Reykjavik, near the Fagradalsfjall volcano area in southwest Iceland
Spectators arrive Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at the site of a volcanic eruption near Iceland’s capital Reykjavik to admire the gushing lava, a day after the fissure appeared in an uninhabited valley.
The eruption occurred about 40 kilometers from Reykjavik, near the Fagradalsfjall volcano area in southwest Iceland. And while last year’s eruption was easily accessible on foot and attracted more than 435,000 tourists, the new eruption is more difficult to access, requiring an arduous 90-minute uphill hike from the nearest parking lot.
Despite this, more than 1,830 people visited the site on the first day of the eruption, according to the Icelandic Tourism Agency, and more visitors were seen hiking to the site early Thursday.
The fissure was estimated to be about 360 meters long, Iceland’s Meteorological Service said on Thursday, with fountains of lava about 10-15 meters high.
Authorities had initially urged people not to visit the area until the risk was assessed. However, on Thursday the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management said only that small children should not walk to the site of the explosion.
Gases from a volcanic eruption – particularly sulfur dioxide – can be elevated in the area and pose a health hazard. Air pollution can also be carried by the wind. Known as the land of fire and ice, Iceland has 32 volcanic systems that are currently considered active, the most in Europe. The country has an eruption every five years on average.
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