Iceland's volcanic eruption has become a new attraction for tourists. Previously many tourists witnessed a volcanic eruption near the country’s capital city of Reykjavik in July. In recent months, volcanic eruptions in Iceland are attracting tourists from across the world and this could open up new avenues for the tourism sector in Iceland as more tourists want to witness the unique phenomenon of a live volcanic eruption.
Iceland is one such country that houses the most active volcanoes on Earth. While an eruption occurs every three to five years, a massive number of adventure seekers get attracted to catch a glimpse of lava spurting and turning into molten rivers.
Recently, officials from the Nordic Island warned of a new volcano near the Hagafell region, which is said to erupt any time soon, Euronews reported. The warnings come following thousands of tremors that shook Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest region of the country. In view of the warnings from officials, an evacuation order was issued for the town of Grindavik.
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Interestingly, when Icelandic residents were fleeing from surrounding areas of the volcano, specialist travel operators were planning to offer tourists the experience of of viewing an active volcano live.
The number of visitors to volcanic eruptions has been increasing since the March 2021 eruption at Fagradalsjall. It attracted thousands of spectators from across the world. According to the Icelandic Tourist Board, over 356,000 tourists were visited the site while the volcano was spewing lava.
Recently, the Litli-Hrútur eruptions amassed major interest from tourists and locals when lava spurted from the volcano creating mAassive ash clouds. The eruption began on July 10, 2023, after heightened seismic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula area which is around 30 km away in the southwest region of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik.
How to visit Iceland's volcano safely?
authorities in Iceland have been relaying information about the safety and accessibility of the volcano. Pórarinsdóttir, an Icelandic sculptor explained Euronews that tourists and locals are given regular updates about the eruption site and are urged to follow instructions and safety norms to remain unharmed.
Travel agents are also keen to capitalise on the eruption and have set up specialist volcano tours around it.
However, those planning to visit the volcanic sites are required to be prepared before visiting Iceland, as the eruptions often produce poisonous gases including the harmful SO2 (sulphur dioxide).
According to a Visit Iceland report, one should always be alert regarding the hazards at the eruption site. Additionally, visitors should avoid staying in close proximity to the volcano and evacuate immediately if they feel any discomfort. Apart from that, authorities suggest not to walking on the lava, even if it looks to be cooled off, there are chances of burning hot lava underneath a thin crust.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
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