Volcanic Eruption in Southwest Iceland Disrupts Hot Water Supply to Thousands of Residents
Southwest Iceland was hit by a volcanic eruption, causing severe damage to the hot water supply and leaving thousands of residents without access to hot water. This is the third eruption in the region since December, and its impact has been felt by both locals and tourists alike.
The eruption occurred around 6 a.m. local time on Thursday, northeast of Mount Sýlingarfell. Lava fountains shot up to approximately 260 feet in the air, creating a volcanic plume that stretched nearly 2 miles. The Icelandic Met Office reported that the lava had flowed just under 3 miles from the eruption site, but activity seemed to be diminishing. The erupting fissure is believed to be around 3 miles long.
While the eruption activity appears to be decreasing, its consequences are still significant. The lava flows damaged the main hot water pipe from Svartsengi to Fitja, leading to a state of emergency being declared in the country. The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management stated that the hot water supply to parts of Keflavík, Sandgerði, and Garður was cut off. As a result, residents and businesses were urged to conserve electricity and hot water.
The situation became even more urgent as a “severe frost” was expected overnight. With no hot water available, people scrambled to find alternative sources of heat. Temperatures in the city dropped to 17°F overnight, intensifying the need for warmth. Residents were advised to use electric ovens for heating, but the Public Safety Authority emphasized that each property could only use one electric oven due to the strain it would put on the electrical system.
By Thursday night, hot water reserves in the tanks were depleting rapidly. However, contractors worked tirelessly throughout the night to provide a hot water bypass pipe to residents. Unfortunately, there was a slight delay in allowing hot water to be released through the new bypass pipe due to flooding caused by the lava. Officials announced that the hot water would be available at midnight, but it would still take a few days for the full supply to return. It can take up to two days for the water to regain full pressure, so people were advised to use their supplies sparingly.
The impact of the eruption extended beyond the local residents. The Reykjanes peninsula, where the eruption occurred, is a popular tourist destination. It is home to the Keflavík International Airport and the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Both attractions were affected by the eruption, with the Blue Lagoon forced to close on Thursday and Friday, and the airport losing its hot water supply.
The volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland has caused significant disruption and inconvenience for both residents and visitors. The damage to the hot water supply has left thousands of people without access to essential amenities during a period of freezing temperatures. As authorities work to restore the hot water supply, it is crucial for everyone to conserve electricity and hot water until normalcy is restored.