After two weeks of continuous earthquake activity, which served as a warning of things to come, Embassy Reykjavík is enjoying a ringside seat to one of nature’s most powerful forces. The volcanic eruption at Fagradalsfjall in Iceland’s rugged and austere southwest began March 19. It continues to this day, now with three fissures spewing molten lava. This marks the volcano’s first eruption in approximately 6,000 years and southwest Iceland’s first eruption in 800 years. Fortunately, the lava flow is not impacting populated areas or infrastructure. Thousands of visitors—including several embassy staff—have braved the elements to trek out to the area to watch the lava flow.
Photo by Brian Viggiano