Unexpected increases in volcanic activity and fast-flowing lava flows led to an evacuation in the Nátthaga Valley.
Suðurnes police and rescue teams worked today to evacuate the area at the Fagradalsfjall eruption site after the lava river unexpectedly began to flow south from Geldingadalur to Nátthaga.
Gunnar Schram, chief of police in Suðurnes, says that the lava that was gathering in the form of a lake was flowing at high speed, and that the lava flow now flows into Nátthaga. Therefore, the A route and its surroundings were evacuated.
Gunnar added that rescue teams were called and an SMS was immediately sent to temporarily close the area.
A press release sent to the media said that access to the eruption site had been closed due to large lava flow.
The statement said that “This is done for security reasons. Specialists and rescuers now need time to assess the situation. “
The lava flow is very hot and the rescuers have had to retreat.
Bogi Adolfsson, chairman of the Þorbjörn rescue team, says the lake of flowing lava that has formed where the lava flows has started to move and partially flows over hiking trail A. The direction in which the lava will flow cannot be predicted, the area is very hot and there is a lot of air pollution. Therefore, it was decided to evacuate and close the area.
Rescuers working in the area had to withdraw from the eruption area due to pollution and heat, added Bogi Adolfsson.
A new lava flow has forced its way through the dam and is moving into the Nátthaga Valley.
To the question – Is there a concern that the lava will reach and flow through the Suðurstrandavegur road?
God replied – “No, no, we don’t know that. Maybe not this time, but definitely the lava will move forward. We don’t know what will happen, so closing the area is a step in the right direction. “
Bogi Adolfsson admitted that the lava flows at such a speed that it is impossible to escape from it. This should definitely encourage people to stay away from flowing lava flows and be mindful of safety.
mmn / visir.is
Source: Yle