A man visiting Iceland managed to capture breathtaking footage of the Fagradalsfjall volcano during its eruption, showcasing the mesmerizing power of nature.
Photographer Juergen Merz, 47, filmed the incredible scenes while on a camping trip with friends south of Reykjavik, eagerly awaiting the volcano’s eruption.
When the moment finally arrived and the fiery lava burst forth, Juergen skillfully documented the awe-inspiring event, sharing the footage online. The video quickly garnered over 1,300 likes on Instagram.
The captivating photographs depict molten lava streaming across the dark terrain, distant fires illuminating the surroundings, and thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air.
The eruption has unleashed plumes of smoke across an area renowned for its vast lava fields, volcanoes, and geothermal activity.
“It was simply astonishing,” expressed Juergen Merz, a resident of Forchheim, Germany, during an interview with NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“We were camping on a hill, patiently waiting for the eruption to occur, although it can take hours or even weeks. You never know! Some of our friends had been camping there for four days. I was there on the first day, and once it started erupting, we were all thrilled. We immediately launched our drones and hiked towards the spectacle,” he recounted.
Juergen further shared his experience, stating, “Standing just 20 meters away from an active volcano, with a 900-meter-long fissure before us, was an incredible feeling.”
Scientists had issued warnings about potential eruptions following the detection of numerous minor earthquakes in the area in recent weeks.
This marks the second eruption of the volcano in less than a year, yet fortunately, it has not caused any significant damage or disruptions despite its proximity to a major airport.
Fagradalsfjall is situated in an uninhabited valley near the Litli-Hrutur mountain in southwest Iceland.
The Iceland Meteorological Office released a statement, saying, “At 16:40 on July 10th, a minor volcanic eruption commenced near Litli Hrútur in the Reykjanes Peninsula, located between Fagradalsfjall and Keilir mountains.”
“The eruption is relatively small, and there is currently no release of ash into the atmosphere. Initial estimates indicate a 200-meter-long fissure oriented approximately northeast-southwest on the eastern and northeastern slopes of Litli Hrútur, from which lava is erupting in the form of fountains.”
“At present, the eruption is contained within a small depression, with the lava flowing southward, while gas and steam emissions drift northwestward. As the eruption is occurring in an uninhabited area, there are no immediate risks to communities or infrastructure.”
The statement continued, “The future development of the eruption remains uncertain, and we advise the public against attempting to visit the eruption site. Dangerous levels of volcanic gases may accumulate in proximity to the eruption.”
The footage captured by Juergen Merz serves as a testament to the raw power and captivating beauty of nature’s volcanic phenomena.
