In Iceland, a town still shaken by volcanic eruptions tries to recover

GRINDAVIK, Iceland — GRINDAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Vignir Kristinsson greets two women with a smile as they enter his quaint gift shop in Grindavik. The shop is filled with beautifully crafted oak decorations, from animals to kitchen cutting boards. One of the women purchases a small black-stained tree before they leave.

After a long career in cabinet making, Kristinsson, 64, decided to follow his passion for woodworking at the encouragement of his daughter. Five years ago, he and his wife opened the shop in Grindavik, a small coastal town southwest of Reykjavik. Business was thriving until the volcanic eruptions began.

Since December 2023, nine eruptions near Grindavik have forced residents to evacuate multiple times, with the town being closed off for various durations.

Kristinsson expressed his frustration, saying, “I’m supposed to run a business when people are told they should not come. How is that possible?”

The volcanic activity near Grindavik originates from the Sundhnuksgígar crater row, part of the Svartsengi volcanic system in the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruptions, after nearly 800 years of dormancy, have left residents on edge.

Despite the ongoing volcanic activity, some residents have chosen to stay in Grindavik, hoping for a return to normalcy amidst the destruction caused by lava flows and seismic tremors.

While the town struggles to recover, signs of resilience are emerging. The local basketball team has resumed games, and discussions are underway to reopen schools. Tourists, curious about the aftermath of the eruptions, are also visiting the area.

For some residents like Kristinsson and Enoksson, the decision to return to Grindavik remains uncertain. While Kristinsson divides his time between Grindavik and a nearby town, Enoksson has chosen to settle elsewhere, continuing to operate his bakery from a distance.

The challenges faced by the residents of Grindavik serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of natural disasters.

This article is supported by The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage partners. For more information, visit AP.org.