Crowds flock to Iceland volcano site to get a close-up view

The eruption of a long-dormant volcano in southwest Iceland drew crowds of visitors to get a close-up view of the liquid lava.

Many people went to the site of the volcano near the capital Reykjavik since its eruption on Friday night after tens of thousands of earthquakes were recorded in the area over the past three weeks.

This is the first eruption in about 800 years.

On Tuesday, Civil Protection officials were seen indicating to dozens of people that they should stay away from the lava, which was a few meters away, to ensure that they were not harmed.

The Italian photographer Vincenzo Matsa, who lives in Iceland, was among those who approached the lava.

Glowing lava can be seen from the outskirts of the capital, at a distance of approximately 32 km.

Officials said they do not expect evacuations because the volcano is in a remote area, 2.5 kilometers from the nearest road.

Pictures and videos spread on social media, showing the crowds pouring into the volcano site.

#icelandvolcano Amie islandaise profitant du paysage pic.twitter.com/VTwO28f0ue

— Tisabåve (@Tisthere) March 25, 2021

Source: AP + RT