Breathtaking Videos Show Massive Icelandic Volcano Eruption
The Fagradalsfjall volcano in Reykjanes, Iceland erupted after several weeks of increased seismic activity led to an evacuation of the peninsula, the most populated area of Iceland.
The eruption occurred on Monday in Grindavik at 10:17 pm local time. It created a 2.5 mile-long fissure in the volcano as rivers of molten lava were thrown between 100 and 300 feet into the air. It’s the fourth explosion since 2021 but by far the largest to date. According to CNN, this most recent incident is what’s known as a fissure eruption. Fissure eruptions don’t usually result in large lava explosions or much ash, but they still pose a danger.
Videos of the astonishing occurrence quickly began circulating on social media. Many users had been waiting since last month, when reports of earthquakes in Iceland began trickling in, for footage of the volcano erupting.
As it began, the explosions looked almost like a sunrise cresting on the horizon.
Here's the moment the volcano started to erupt in Grindavik, Iceland. pic.twitter.com/XbMUwyzhvE
— Chad (@ChadBlue83) December 18, 2023
As it continued, though, the horror of the situation became clear.
It may look like an alien planet, but this is Iceland.
— Vega (@Vega12991453) December 19, 2023
4,000 evacuated after volcano eruption in Iceland #Breaking pic.twitter.com/CzqF7g9qMJ
One clip, taken from a helicopter above the volcano, shows the extent of the miles-long fissure.
Video from helicopter above fissure just broadcast in live news programme #Iceland #volcano pic.twitter.com/3SrH2mN3JK
— Duncan (@shaksper) December 18, 2023
A frequently shared video distilled the volcano’s first two hours of eruption into 60 seconds.
The first two hours of this incredible eruption in Iceland in ONE MINUTE! Watch as the lava unzips along the fissure! #volcano #Iceland pic.twitter.com/T6KJnN1sqn
— Jake Heitman (@HeitmanJake) December 19, 2023
Meanwhile, one piece of footage captures an astonishing, rarely-seen angle of the volcano’s initial eruption.
A volcano eruption
— MissFacto (@missfacto) December 19, 2023
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Iceland’s government has closed the immediate area to traffic but reported there is no imminent threat to human lives. The 3,400 people who live in the area were evacuated from their homes on November 10, with a return date yet to be determined.
"Naturally, there was a certain impatience among the residents to be allowed to return home, as the evacuation has been going on for a long time," Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir told NBC News. She reiterated that, at this time, the lava is not expected to flow into any residential neighborhoods. However, that could change at any moment.
Those who wish to watch the eruption in real time may do so at Live From Iceland, which offers CCTV views from around the country.
Meanwhile, a volcano erupts in Iceland. pic.twitter.com/CnNlXU4w5n
— Rami Jarrah (@RamiJarrah) December 19, 2023