A volcanic eruption in Iceland close to the capital Reykjavik is slowing and gas pollution is easing, but residents should still keep clear of the volcano which has been spewing out toxic gas, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said on Tuesday.
"Since the eruption began yesterday (July 10), there has been a progressive decrease in the amount of lava being emitted which means that the hazards close to the eruption site now seem to be less," said Matthew Roberts, the managing director of the service and research division at the Met Office.
"There is a good opportunity now to visit the site and view it aerially and assess what has happened here overnight," he added.
"The dangers to public health and to human life are acute very close to the eruption site, so for tourists, for people who want to visit the area and sightsee, weather conditions need to be taken into account because it's the wind direction dictates where volcanic gas is drifting," he explained.
Scientists and students of the department of Geology of the University of Iceland observe the eruption and take measurements of the Fagradalsfjall volcano near the Litli-Hrutur mountain, some 30 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland, July 10, 2023. /CFP
The eruption follows intense seismic activity over the past few days and is classified as a fissure eruption, which does not usually result in large explosions or a significant amount of ash in the stratosphere, the Icelandic government said.
This volcanic eruption is the third after similar events took place in the area in 2021 and 2022, and it may be a sign of a new eruptive cycle in the region, according to Roberts.
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