How many people died in the Heimaey eruption?
Only one person died as a result of the eruption. The vast majority of the islanders were evacuated that night, not returning until months later.
What happened at the 1973 eruption of Eldfell?
The eruption caused a major crisis for the island and led to its temporary evacuation. Volcanic ash fell over most of the island, destroying around 400 homes, and a lava flow threatened to close off the harbour, the island’s main income source via its fishing fleet….
| Eldfell | |
|---|---|
| Last eruption | January to June 1973 |
How long did the eruption on Heimaey last?
The newly-formed Eldfell volcano erupted for about six months, covering much of Vestmannaeyjar in ash, destroying several hundred homes, and sending lava flows toward the harbor—at one point raising the water temperature to 111° F (44° C).
What year did Heimaey violently erupt?
One of the most destructive vol- canic eruptions in the history of Ice- land began in the early morning of January 23, 1973, near the Nation’s premier fishing port, the town of Vestmannaeyjar (Vést-mun- ayar), on Heimaey (Háme-a-ay), the only inhabited isle in the Vestmannaeyjar volcanic archipelago.
What was the worst eruption in history?
In 1815, Mount Tambora erupted on Sumbawa, an island of modern-day Indonesia. Historians regard it as the volcano eruption with the deadliest known direct impact: roughly 100,000 people died in the immediate aftermath.
What is so special about Heimaey?
It’s also one of the most beautiful. The scenery of Heimaey is truly breathtaking, from its volcanic landscape and moss-covered cliffs to its quaint houses and brightly colored roofs. Located in the Westman Islands archipelago, Heimaey is home to a single town Vestmannaeyjabær and over four thousand inhabitants.
Who died in the Eldfell eruption?
Nobody died in the eruption in 1973, but more than 400 homes and businesses were destroyed. The volcano spat out lava for five months, hence the name Eldfell–Fire Mountain.
What type of volcano is Heimaey?
cinder cone volcano
Eldfell is a cinder cone volcano just over 200 metres (650 feet) high on the Icelandic island of Heimaey. It formed in a volcanic eruption which began without warning just outside the town of Heimaey on January 23, 1973. Its name means Fire Mountain in Icelandic.
How many people live on Heimaey?
approximately 4,000 people
Heimaey is the largest island of the Westman Islands and the only one that is inhabited. It has a population of approximately 4,000 people and a fascinating dark history.
Where is Heimaey located?
Heimaey Island is the largest in the Westman Islands located four miles off the south-west coast of Iceland. One of the most visually impressive islands in Iceland, it is ringed by tall, vertical sea cliffs many hundreds of feet high.
Where can I find pictures of the 1973 eruption of Heimaey?
Go to Erling Árnason’s marvellous Heimaey homepage, a new site offering marvellous images of the island and the 1973 eruption. On those pages you will find what you are missing here!
Where is the Heimaey volcano located?
The 1973 eruption volcano number: 1702-01= (according to Volcanoes of the World,1994 edition) summit elevation: 225 m (Helgafell cone) location: 63.43°N, 20.28°W Heimaey is the largest island of the Vestmannaeyjar (“Westman Islands”) archipelago, south of the SSW coast of Iceland.
What caused the Heimaey volcano to erupt?
One paper suggests that it may have been caused by magma left over from the Surtsey eruption a decade earlier. Heimaey consists of a low-lying central area where the town, airport and of course the golf course are located, and hills and cliffs along the edges.
What happened to Heimaey in 1973?
The 1973 eruption. Heimaey is the largest island of the Vestmannaeyjar (“Westman Islands”) archipelago, south of the SSW coast of Iceland. The distance of Heimaey from the nearest spot on the “mainland” is about 10 km.