Lava has now reached the evacuated town of Grindavik, and multiple houses are on fire.
In response to the recent volcanic eruption near Grindavík, Iceland, Matorka, a leading arctic char farming company, has issued an update to reassure the public and stakeholders about the situation.
“We are thinking of all the people of Grindavík through this difficult time,” wrote the company on LinkedIn. “This morning a new volcanic eruption started when a fissure opened in the vicinity of the town of Grindavík. The town was evacuated, and no residents are in danger. Our farm is safe from the eruption.”
In November, the company’s land-based arctic char farm, located just outside of Grindavik, was damaged by earthquakes linked to the recent bout of volcanic activity.
The latest eruption, which began Sunday morning morning with a fissure opening close to Grindavík, prompted immediate evacuation measures. Authorities have confirmed that no residents are currently in danger due to the swift and effective response.
The lava from that fissure has since spilled into the town, setting houses on fire.
This is the second eruption on the peninsula in over a month, and the fifth since 2021.
Addressing the nation in a live broadcast on Sunday, Iceland’s President Gudni Johannesson urged Icelanders to “stand together and have compassion for those who cannot be in their homes.”
In quotes cited by AFP news agency, he said he “hoped the situation would calm down, but anything can happen”.
At a press conference beforehand, Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said: “Today is a black day for Grindavík and today is a black day for all of Iceland, but the sun will rise again.”
“Together we will deal with this shock and whatever may come. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
