Just a few days after Iceland was ranked as the happiest country in the world, a volcanic eruption unfolded dramatically in Iceland on Monday 18th,December 2023, with spectacular bursts of lava and smoke that lighted the night sky.
The event followed weeks of seismic activity, leading to the evacuation of a nearby town.
The eruption on the Reyk-janes peninsula started at around 10pm local time, triggered by an earthquake an hour earlier, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The eruption site near Hagafell, approximately 3 kilometers North of Grindavik, was captured in a video posted by Iceland’s Coast Guard, showcasing a helicopter hovering over a line of glowing lava.
The government reported the fissure opening to be nearly 4km long, marking the largest eruption in area since 2021. Last month, Grindavik faced evacuation orders, with the town, known for its proximity to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, now cleared of residents.
While the eruption is not expected to endanger populated areas or infrastructure, it releases significant toxic gazes, prompting warnings against approaching the area. The Icelandic Tourist Board urged people to avoid visiting the site while authorities assess the situation.
Different people allover the globe are now still wondering why Iceland is ranked as the happiest country in the world 🗺 with all the natural calamities that take place there.
