Status: 15.01.2024, 11:30 a.m.
CommentsPrint Share
Volcanoes fascinate and captivate many adventurers. But they are also a dangerous place. © Philipp Schulze/dpa/dpa-tmn
After an earthquake at the weekend, the earth has broken up again not far from the Icelandic fishing village of Grindavík. The lava reached the first houses. What does this mean for tourists?
Grindavík/Potsdam - If you are currently planning a holiday in Iceland or are already there, you should inform yourself well about the current situation. The volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula is considered one of the most severe in 50 years.
Since mid-December, lava has been pouring out of a kilometre-long fissure. After an earthquake on Sunday night, the earth has broken up again near the fishing village of Grindavík. The lava has now reached the first houses. The Icelandic authorities have declared a state of emergency for the town. The area is closed, writes the Foreign Office in the current security advice on Iceland.
Keflavík International Airport, about 30 kilometres away, has not yet been affected. Holidaymakers can find out about the current situation on site from the Icelandic Meteorological Office and under "RUV.is" - both in English.
Volcanoes always attract onlookers who want to observe the force of nature up close. However, as fascinating as volcanoes may be for some people, one thing should be clear: a visit can be very dangerous. In addition to hot lava, toxic fumes can also occur. Therefore, the Federal Foreign Office advises: "Be sure to follow the instructions of the local authorities."
Adventure Volcano Eruption
In many regions of the world, the more than 1500 active volcanoes around the world magically attract tourists. An overview of the areas is provided, for example, by the Geo-Forschungs-Zentrum (GFZ) in Potsdam. Volcanoes are very different - and so are their dangers.
It is vital for a visit to be well prepared, otherwise it can be very dangerous. "Repeatedly, tourists find themselves in life-threatening situations, suffer from frostbite or are injured by rockfalls or lava flows," warns the GFZ.
Again and again, people lose their lives because they mistake the force of nature for a sight - most recently in Sumatra at the beginning of December. More than 20 people died there after the eruption of Marapi.
My news
Flight attendant codes: What a "Servus" means when boardingread
Children's passport is on the brink of extinction: what parents need to apply for insteadread more
Holidays without tourist crowds: Five destinations for 2024 that are still insider tipsread
Perfect for a day trip: Ten of Germany's most beautiful small townsRead
Europe's best campsites 2024 chosen – three of the top 10 are in Germanyread
Ski holidays in Italy: Strict rules on the slopes – what tourists need to know read
Advice for volcano visitors
Many tips that apply to mountaineers must also be observed by volcano visitors, writes the GFZ: pay attention to the weather, altitude and climate. Bring hiking boots, mountain equipment, enough water and a helmet.
In addition, you should never leave the marked paths. This is because there can be red-hot lava underneath a seemingly solid crust. In addition, hot gases and toxic fumes can rise. Existing closures and evacuation recommendations should be observed as a matter of urgency.
It should be clear: volcanoes are "never completely predictable" and "forecasts are always associated with uncertainties", according to the GFZ. That's why it's important to critically check the information on site. You should also hire a local guide. This is vital, especially in regions where visitors are unfamiliar with the language.
Visiting an active volcano - plan your escape route
If you want to visit an active volcano, you should plan your escape route on arrival, advises the GFZ. For example, turning the car directly in the direction of travel. In addition, you should always have protective clothing and respiratory protection at hand.
If, for example, steam-driven explosions occur, you should keep an eye on the trajectory of the particles while fleeing and, if necessary, change the direction accordingly. Large blocks do not provide sufficient protection - "the greatest possible distance from the explosion crater provides the best protection," according to the experts.
For most volcanic hazards, according to the GFZ, it is recommended "not to descend along deep valleys, but along higher sections". So that you don't expose yourself to material movements or pyroclastic flows - i.e. incandescent avalanches.
It is important to keep calm and continue to observe the mountain rules. In addition, it is essential to follow the instructions of the mountain rescue, civil protection, police or fire brigade. Dpa