Iceland recently witnessed a magnificent event as a massive volcano erupted after nearly eight centuries of dormancy. The volcanic eruption took place on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, making it the seventh volcanic event in the region this year. According to a BBC report, the Reykjanes Peninsula had been inactive for 800 years before volcanic activity resumed in 2021.
The eruption has been trending on the internet, with amazing pictures spreading across social media. One of the most stunning aerial videos is by a passenger named Kayleigh from a plane’s window. She posted it on X, that has attracted more than six million views. Kayleigh wrote, “My life has peaked. Nothing is ever topping this. Volcano erupted last night in Iceland.”
The aerial footage displays the scale of the eruption, rivers of bright orange lava flowing against the dark terrain, that cast a faint glow over nearby residential areas are visible.
According to the reports, the eruption of the dormant volcano not only set the internet on fire but also prompted evacuations at nearby town of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon, which is a famous tourist destination . The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported that the eruption covered a stretch of about 1.8 miles.
Helsinki, Nov 21 (IANS) A volcanic eruption on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula triggered evacuations, local media reported.
The video posted on X recieved mixed reviews on social media. One X user congratulated Kayleigh, “Congrats on getting to witness it. I went back last yr to see it. By far the coolest experience of my life. I don’t think anything will ever top it. I just missed this one by 2 days. I left Monday night. Super bummed.” Another user expressed concern, commenting, “Flying so close? With ashes? Looks like a big risk to me honestly.” Meanwhile, other reactions appreciated the surreal beauty , with comments like, “Wow, that is unreal. Thanks for showing that to us,” and “Amazing. Iceland really is the land of ICE & FIRE. It’s surreal.”
Volcanic eruption in Iceland (Credits: X)
As per reports, the eruption poses no threat to air travel. However, authorities have cautioned about gas emissions impacting parts of the peninsula, including Grindavík. This nearby town was also previously evacuated when the volcano reawakened after an 800-year period of dormancy.
According to the Icelandic Metereological department, “Uplift and magma accumulation beneath Svartsengi continue. However, GPS measurements have shown indications that the rate of uplift may have slowed in recent days. It is too early to definitively conclude whether these changes indicate a slowdown in magma inflow.”
