REYKJAVIK (AFP) – Evacuated residents of the town of Grindavik in Iceland began returning for daytime visits as the volcano decreased in intensity, though their hopes of spending Christmas at home were dashed.
The eruption, which began on Monday evening, opened a fissure in the ground about four kilometres long, spewing glowing fountains of orange lava into the sky only three kilometres from Grindavik.
The eruption had declined in intensity and on live video feeds the lava flow could no longer be seen.
“The likelihood of a new eruption forming without warning near Grindavik has decreased,” the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said. But it said the “hazard level in that area is nevertheless considered substantial” as “the magma can reach the surface quickly, leaving little time to issue warnings”.
Authorities therefore allowed Grindavik’s 4,000 residents access to the small fishing port.
They were evacuated on November 11 after a series of earthquakes, considered a possible precursor to an eruption.
First responders were present in the town on in case an emergency evacuation was required. Authorities say it is still unsafe to stay in the town overnight, and they said residents would not be able to return to stay in their homes before Christmas.
