Iceland's latest volcanic eruption is attracting large crowds of people hoping to get close to the gentle lava flows.
The eruption at the Fagradalsfjall mountain, some 40 kilometers from Iceland's capital Reykjavik, is not seen as a threat to nearby towns, and the slow flows mean people can get close to action without too much harm.
Curious onlookers have flocked to the site to get a closer glimpse and take photo of the lava. Some even seized the occasion to have a little barbecue (slide 3). One of the officials told Reuters a visitor tried to cook bacon and eggs on the lava, but the pan melted in the heat. On Tuesday, Iceland's civil protection officials were seen waving dozens of people away from the lava just meters behind them to ensure visitors do not get hurt.
The long-dormant volcano in southwest Iceland erupted on Friday, following thousands of smaller earthquakes in the area in recent weeks, with officials bracing for an eruption as a result. It is the first time the Fagradalsfjall volcano has erupted in nearly 800 years.
Would you feel safe next to this?
Pictures: 1,2,6 Jeremie Richard/AFP; 3,4,5 Cat Gundry-Beck/Reuters
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