Lava breach prompts emergency closures in Iceland

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) — Lava that overflowed from a crater in southwestern Iceland reached the road of the nearby town of Grindavikurvegur on Sunday and prompted authorities to close a local geothermal resort, local media reported.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office said the lava from the Sundhnukagigar crater had breached defensive walls and forced a preemptive closure of the Blue Lagoon resort before guests arrived, according to the Iceland Monitor website.

The Civil Protection Department said firefighters were on high alert for potential wildfires and local authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

This marks the third instance of lava obstructing the road in the Reykjanes peninsula region, according to the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.