Iceland: Volcano Blows Again

No Comments | April 14th, 2010 | Trackback

Officials thought the Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruption, which began March 20 after the mountain lay dormant for almost 200 years, had come to an end, but it roared back to life April 14. Hundreds of people fled their homes as floodwaters from melting ice rose. The volcano brought a tourist windfall in March, a record 26,000 foreign visitors, but winter cold still remains despite the longer days and travel can be difficult and hazardous, especially if touring without local guides who know the territory. Before this most recent eruption, two volcano tourists died from exposure when they got lost and their car ran out of gas, and rescue teams had to assist as many as 50 people a day down from the mountain in near-zero temperatures. Scientists say the nearby and much larger Katla volcano is overdue for an eruption. Historically it has followed Eyjafjallajokull eruptions within days or months.