16 November 2023 , 23:10
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Jaw-dropping footage captures massive cracks in the ground as magma flows from a fissure of a volcano feared to erupt.
Residents in Grindavík, Iceland, have been evacuated from their homes as it is thought the Fagradalsfjall volcano will erupt imminently. It is understood magma is running underneath a previous, centuries-old, visible fissure.
Footage captured from a helicopter shows the magma, and giant cracks in the earth around Grindavík, a small fishing town. More than 800 earthquakes and thousands of tremors have been recorded on the island since the evacuation of around 4,000 people on Friday. Grindavik has partially sunk by more than a metre.
Helicopter footage shows giant cracks in the ground and environments empty as a volcanic eruption is feared (BBC News)Scientists say the area could face decades of increased volcanic instability. Now, defences will be built near Grindavik to stop lava from the volcano destroying key buildings. The nearby Blue Lagoon, one of the country's most famous tourist attractions, will remain closed until the end of this month.
Authorities are unsure when volcano activity will occur. Experts recognise the importance, though, of preparing for such incidences. Matthew Roberts, of the Icelandic Met Office, said: "Ultimately we have to, as we have for many years now, plan for volcanic activity, planning aggressively to be able to defend areas, to increase monitoring and this is exactly where we are."
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The Icelandic Highways agency has worked tirelessly to keep the road systems in and around Grindavík running (Vegagerðin)Although experts say Iceland has seen the threat of volcano eruption and earthquakes in the past, panicked residents shared their horror at the fears. Margret Benediktsdottir, 64, who helps run the family fisheries business employing 100 staff, told how she feared the earth was going to open up under her house.
British expat Anne Sigurdsson lives 15 minutes away from the red zone, where it is feared an eruption could occur (Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)The mother said: "We started having tremors all week long and then they started to happen every 30 seconds. There was not a minute between them. It felt like my house was jumping around, it was terrifying. I could hear things breaking.
"I felt like it was underneath me. I was worried the earth was going to open up. It was surreal, everyone’s in shock. It is devastating and such a beautiful place to live in and bring up your children.
"I’ve lived here 44 years and it’s the first time I’ve experienced anything like this. Now there is a big question mark over us all." But Mr Roberts, whose colleagues intensely monitor seismic activity 24 hours a day, told BBC News : "We are almost at war with Mother Nature, yet again Iceland."