Just days after a stunning volcanic eruption in Iceland, evacuated residents of the town of Grindavik can return to their homes overnight. They can also celebrate Christmas there, Icelandic broadcaster RUV reported last night, citing police. Local police chief Olvar Loviksson said the risk was acceptable. However, he expressed doubt that many people would spend the holidays there.
The Icelandic Civil Defense had previously announced that the public security level would be reduced from emergency level to danger level. At that point, RUV's live feed no longer showed any glowing red lava in the snowy area. However, the Icelandic Meteorological Office considered it too early to declare the eruption over.
The volcanic eruption began late Monday evening on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. This was the fourth on the peninsula in three years where lava emerged from a kilometer-long fissure in the ground. As the week progressed, the intensity of the eruption continued to decrease. Since Thursday, residents of Grindavik, a few kilometers south of the lava field, have been allowed to return to their homes, at least during the day.
“Food practitioner. Bacon guru. Infuriatingly humble zombie enthusiast. Total student.”
More Stories
Thomas Gottschalk moves to Bavaria
“Classes for the disabled”: The La Liga Party candidate raises a scandal
Pope Francis visits the Venice Art Biennale