Finland’s ambassador Anu Laamanen estimates from Reyakjavik that the destruction of the village of Grindavík is close. No Finn is in danger.
Ambassador of Finland to Iceland Anu Laamanen tells that the destruction of the fishing village of Grindavík is really close.
– If the lava continues to flow, it will reach the edge of the village in a few hours. Yes, the danger is quite real, says Laamanen.
According to Laamanen, however, the atmosphere in Iceland is calm and ordinary. At least in Reykjavik.
– This has been expected and trust in the actions of the authorities is strong, so this eruption has not caused any particular concerns in the capital.
According to Laamanen, no Finns are currently in danger. 56 Finns have reported their trip to the embassy, but none of them are anywhere near the danger zone.
– The area has been very isolated and the authorities still strongly advise that you should not go anywhere near it.
The residents of Grindavík were evacuated at three in the morning
According to Laamanen, some residents had been allowed back to the fishing village of Grindavík after the previous eruption and earth ruptures, but at three in the morning they had already been evacuated again.
The volcanic eruption started in the morning at eight o’clock local time, i.e. six o’clock Finnish time.
Laamanen says that the earthquakes preceding the eruption started already at two in the morning.
According to Laamanen, the earthquakes were not felt as far as Reykjavik this time at night, but in recent weeks small earthquakes have been felt as far as Reykjavik.
Lava threatens a large greenhouse
According to official information, the ongoing eruption is much smaller than the latest eruption on December 18, according to Laamanen: more or less the same type, but with a shorter fissure and lower intensity.
– The only thing we are waiting for now is whether the lava will reach the small village of Grindavík. There is no major emergency going on.
The live stream of the volcanic eruption shows that the lava is currently approaching one large building on the outskirts of the village of Grindavík.
According to Laamanen, the building is a greenhouse for a company that manufactures plant proteins and facial care products.
– It will be under the lava soon. But it was already emptied in November, says Laamanen.
Lava destroyed a village in Iceland in 1973
Lava has destroyed villages before in Iceland.
According to Laamanen, at least in 1973, a small town was destroyed by a volcanic eruption on Vestmannasaari, Iceland.
– It’s the only one I know, Laamanen says.
Now we are waiting to see if the lava solidifies this time before the village of Grindavík or not.