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Holidaymakers have been flouting advice to avoid a dangerous Icelandic volcano and getting dangerously close to its summit despite an eruption being underway.
The volcano, named Sundhjuka and located near the town of Grindavik, has been emitting flying lava and smoke after a full-scale eruption finally began yesterday (Monday, December 18), the Daily Star previously reported. But despite how formidable the cavernous peak may seem, it hasn't stopped visitors driving up to the volcano to get a glimpse of the action.
The Environment Ministry aren't too pleased with people getting so close. They issued a statement saying: "Think about someone other than yourself and follow the guidelines of the public safety. Please."
READ MORE: Iceland's volcano erupts as spewing lava increases fears of 'worst case imaginable'
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Icelandic police echoed the concerns, with a spokesperson stating: "An eruption has begun. We ask people not to be in front of the responders and not to go in the direction of the eruption. It is important that roads and other things are as accessible as possible."
But despite the cautions, many people are still eager to get up close and personal with the volcano, reports The Mirror. American tourist Robert Donald Forrester III exclaimed: "It's just something from a movie!"
Meanwhile some Icelandic locals confessed they regularly visit eruptions. One said: "We are trying to see the eruption. Unfortunately, we didn't get any closer. It's a hobby that we've had for four years, attending every single eruption, and we'll continue to do so."
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Even though an eruption has now begun, Reykjavik's International Airport remains open, meaning tourists can still come and go to and from Iceland. However the government has warned people to keep their distance as toxic fumes are being spat from the crevice.
Iceland's president, Guni Thorlacius Johannesson, has said: "It is not clear what damage it can cause, but now we rely on our scientists as well as all those who need to do monitoring and other operations.
"Above all else, we protect human life but we do all the defence of structures to the best of our ability. I send warm greetings to the people of Grindavik and those who now work on the scene."
* This article was crafted with the help of an AI tool, which speeds up Daily Star's editorial research. An editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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