Natural Disaster VS Geotourism

We have seen ice and mountains, which are represented by the colours white and blue on the Icelandic flag. What does the last cour, red, represent? Yep, you got it! It is the volcanic fires and lava. After 800 years of staying dormant, Fagradalsfjall Volcano started spurting out vicious lava again on 19 March 2021, and is not showing signs of stopping just yet. It has been erupting for almost 7 months, and is on track to be one of the longest volcanic eruptions in the region in more than 50 years. Since my trip to Iceland was primarily aimed to study the local landscape and environments, not going to see this volcano coming to life is a huge waste of opportunity.

This volcanic eruption arrived at the best time- the Covid-19 Pandemic, which is contrary to common beliefs as it simply made more sense to have been a jab of tourism booster in a pre- or post-Covid climate. However, think about it this way, with Covid cases being uncontrollable in most countries, Iceland’s excellent governance and its early ending of lockdown have propelled the country to the top of any travellers’ list. By Mid-July 2021, the local government had lifted the requirements of compulsory testing upon arrivals and mask-wearing in public indoor places. This scene was a relief to many, and on top of that, the country presented its most tourist-friendly volcanic eruption yet. Timing is a wondrous thing, and it has now gathered a survival kit for Iceland’s tourism.

In fact, the volcano is located in a deserted, undeveloped field only about one hour from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. Its location was nothing but strategic as the eruption posed no threats to the country’s usual economic activities. It was convenient for tourists to visit from the city. There were three different routes to reach platforms where the spurting lava could be observed. We had little time that day, and so thanks to the amiable American tourists we met on the hiking trail, we turned to take the easiest route. Witnessing an active volcano performing its best was undoubtedly an unmatchable experience. Picture yourself standing on a cliff, the cold wind hitting on you, the smell of sulphur getting vaguer over time plus the vigorous roars of boiling lava in the crater, how would that have felt like?

Photo by Ler Wei Jun

By, Euan Thum.

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