Gas Pollution Threatens Reykjavik After Volcano Eruption in Iceland

By Blessing Nweke

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, faces potential gas pollution following a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula. The country’s meteorological office warns that fumes may reach the city by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. The eruption follows weeks of heightened seismic activity, causing the evacuation of 4,000 people from the threatened fishing town of Grindavik.

Residents near Grindavik describe scenes of chaos on Monday night, with ongoing eruptions visible on Tuesday. The eruption, visible from Reykjavik, lights up half the sky in red, accompanied by billowing smoke. Unlike the disruptive ash clouds of 2010, experts believe the current volcanoes in southwest Iceland pose a lower risk. Volcanologist Dr. Evgenia Ilyinskaya states that the eruption’s power is decreasing, but gases could still reach Reykjavik.

Authorities are preparing for potential lava flows that could threaten homes and infrastructure, including the popular tourist destination, the Blue Lagoon. Dr. Ilyinskaya emphasizes the uncertainty, stating, “At the moment, it seems not to be threatening, although it remains to be seen.”

Aoalheiour Halldorsdottir, living 20km from Grindavik, expresses fear and describes the eruption as “crazy.” She recounts some panic on Monday night but notes that things have largely returned to normal on Tuesday. Residents, evacuated last month, remain cautious about returning, unsure if authorities will allow them to go back.

Iceland’s foreign minister, Bjarni Benediktsson, assures no disruptions to flights and open international flight corridors. Images and videos on social media depict lava bursting from the volcano shortly after an earthquake swarm. Police caution people to stay away from the area.

The volcano’s crack spans 3.5km, with lava flowing at 100 to 200 cubic meters per second—significantly higher than recent eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula. Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir expresses hope in recently constructed defenses, while President Gudni Johannesson prioritizes safeguarding lives but emphasizes efforts to protect structures.

As gas pollution threatens Reykjavik, residents remain on alert, and authorities closely monitor the evolving situation. The eruption’s impact on the region, infrastructure, and daily life unfolds amid memories of past volcanic events in Iceland.