Hiker Trying to Reach Erupting Iceland Volcano Rescued by Helicopter as Authorities Issue Warning

Abigail Adams
·2 min read
5

Police said a helicopter was called in Tuesday to help rescue the stranded hiker, who got about halfway to the site of the eruption

<p>AP Photo/Marco Di Marco</p> Scientist of the University of Iceland take measurements and samples standing on the ridge in front of the active part of the eruptive fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland

AP Photo/Marco Di Marco

Scientist of the University of Iceland take measurements and samples standing on the ridge in front of the active part of the eruptive fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula

Authorities in Iceland have issued a stern warning after a hiker was rescued while attempting to reach the volcanic eruption occurring near Grindavík.

Police said a helicopter was called in Tuesday to help rescue the hiker after they became “exhausted, cold and shocked” halfway to the eruption, according to The Guardian and The New York Times.

It was “extremely challenging” to reach the site, which authorities said can take an experienced hiker between four and five hours to complete.

Now, police hope people will “think four times” before attempting a similar expedition, especially with the holidays around the corner. "We want emergency responders such as rescue workers to be able to stay at home during the holidays,” they added.

Related: 11 Climbers Dead, At Least 12 Missing After Sudden Eruption of Indonesian Volcano

<p>AP Photo/Marco Di Marco</p> A view of the only active vent remaining on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula

AP Photo/Marco Di Marco

A view of the only active vent remaining on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula

The volcanic eruption began about 2.5 miles northeast of Grindavík around 10:15 p.m. local time on Monday, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

The fissure is about 2.5 miles long, as well, stretching from just east of Stóra-Skógfell to just east of Sundhnúk.

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Though the eruption seems to be slowing, residents who evacuated the area will not be able to return home for Christmas, according to CNN.

“Unfortunately, the hope that had ignited in the hearts of many about the possibility of celebrating Christmas at home in Grindavík was extinguished when the eruption began yesterday,” mayor Fannar Jónasson said in a statement on Tuesday.

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Some residents were able to briefly return to their homes Thursday to check things out and retrieve some items, according to Reuters. Thorsteinn Einarsson, a 65-year-old plumber, said some homes “are not okay.”

But Einarsson does not plan to uproot the life he has built in Iceland. "My future is here,” he explained. “I will be here, and my kids will be here, and we are going to do everything we can to make this town good again."

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