Huge cracks appear on roads in Icelandic town at risk of volcanic eruption
A volcanic eruption could destroy the Icelandic town of Grindavik or lead to extensive ash clouds, experts have warned.
The country has been shaken by more than 800 small earthquakes, prompting fears that the tremors could disrupt the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country. Scientists have said an eruption at some point is ‘likely’.
It comes as a Caterpillar D11 - said to be Iceland’s biggest bulldozer - has been dispatched to help build defences. The huge piece of equipment is constructing trenches to reduce the damage caused by any eventual disaster.
Almost 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik over the weekend as authorities feared that molten rock would rise to the surface of the earth and potentially hit the coastal town and a geothermal power station.
Ragga Agustsdottir, who lives close to Grindavik, said residents were fearful of what could happen if an eruption struck.
Scientists have warned Iceland’s south-western peninsula could face “decades” of volcanic instability following eruptions along the peninsula.
