Lava flows devour homes after new eruption in Grindavik, Iceland

Drone footage shows Iceland's dramatic seismic and volcanic turmoil, reshaping landscapes and communities.

Early Sunday morning, Iceland faced a significant seismic event. Starting around 3 a.m. local time, the region experienced a series of intense earthquakes. By 6 a.m., the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) had recorded over 200 earthquakes, the strongest hitting a magnitude of 3.5. This flurry of seismic activity set off a volcanic eruption, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency.

The eruption led to a dramatic outpouring of lava, which flowed directly into the coastal town of Grindavík. The town, having been previously evacuated due to the imminent threat of volcanic activity following the earthquakes, saw considerable destruction.

Many homes were engulfed and damaged by the lava flow. This natural disaster has posed significant challenges for the small Icelandic community, grappling with both the aftermath of the earthquakes and the ongoing volcanic threat.