Volcano Watch 2023: Mesmerising Rivers Of Lava

On July 10, the third eruption in Fagradalsfjall in as many years began. In its first days, the eruption formed a fissure over a kilometre in length. It has now shrunk to approximately 200 meters. Now, scientists worry that more fissures will open along the lava pathway, as a large magma intrusion lies just beneath the cooled lava. This means that new fissures may open up, anywhere from the eruption site up to the mountain Keilir.
Due to increased levels of smoke pollution, police officials have closed the site to the public indefinitely. If conditions improve, people are warned to show extreme caution when visiting the eruption site, as conditions are treacherous. The freshly cooled lava is not made to bear the weight of people, and just underneath the newly formed crust is magma, burning at 1000 degrees Celsius.
If you get the chance to hike up to the volcano, follow Ragga‘s guidelines:
1. Prepare for the long hike. The walk up to the volcano is approximately nine kilometres, one-way.
2. Factor in Iceland‘s variable weather and dress properly. That means to layer up.
3. Bring snacks, food, and water. Lots of water.
4. Follow search and rescue teams‘ instructions and guidelines.
5. Stay clear as much as you can of the smoke and toxic gases.
Most importantly: Don't walk on the lava as it can be extremely dangerous. Search and rescue teams have stated that people falling into lava will not be evacuated, due to the danger it poses to responders.
Join The Reykjavík Grapevine and Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir, lava ambassador and co-founder of Lava Show, reporting directly from the burning pits of Fagradalsfjall.
Look for regular updates from Iceland at grapevine.is
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[@vronw5782]

Oh noo missing Pollie the moral officer and Valur. Pollie would love that walk or run 😊

[@laskatz3626]

I agree with the others…I miss Valur and Polly. I learned a lot about Iceland watching them.

[@savoieb]

Where’s Valur and Polly?

[@davalpe]

A volcano in Iceland without Polly and Valur, it's not the same

[@johnzuijdveld9585]

You do need to get over that!

[@paulienoostdam8021]

@@johnzuijdveld9585 No! @davalpe is right. But the lady does okay. She is nice. Her English is a little better too.

[@johnzuijdveld9585]

@@paulienoostdam8021 Oh such nostalgia! Did you not see Valur's last instalment as the editor in chief 7months ago? He said there was no problem with his dismissal and that he still held the Reykjavik Grapevine in high esteem and that he had a lot of friends there. Now I know that's not what you're talking about, but many seem to think he was hard done by when it was just a 'business decision' by the NEW owners. Yes, we will all miss him and Polly, they were a different/refreshing style of reporting, but he is gone from us, he even said that he is not interested in starting anything that would be in competition with Reykjanes Grapevine and would probably go back to writing/and/or freelance journalism.

[@amandareiche9083]

I manfully miss them both--the Grapevine is just a weed w/o those two!

[@amandareiche9083]

@@johnzuijdveld9585 Nope--never will.

[@AudriannaB-World-Peace]

Bring Valur Grettison and Polly back!

[@peternewton6044]

Come back Valur and polly

[@sixthsenseamelia4695]

🌋🧡 KiaOra. Thank you Reykjavik Grapevine. Excellent information in the description, much appreciated.

[@moocowpong1]

the image of Litli Hrutur wreathed in smoke is strikingly beautiful

[@claudiavonkroge3604]

That was a nice video, these drone images are incredible, so beautiful! Thank you! But I have to say again, I miss Valur and Polly very much and I really want to know what he is doing. Thanks!

[@astridstijfs6341]

Valur! Polly! 😢 that chemistry they brought is hard to find, and it seldom gets the appreciation it deserves. Does anybody know what the old team is doing and if I can follow them?

[@mothmanifest]

The shift in this channel is very noticeable and not in a good way. They need to listen to their audience. The former host/editor in chief really sugar coated his departure which says a lot. Hopefully he is in a better place with people who appreciate him.

[@aaronoshea3453]

Go Ragga! 🤘 Thank you for doing a great job.

[@beckymillsmusic]

Came for the 'I miss Valur' comments. Was not disappointed. I miss Valur 😢

[@MichaelMinke]

I miss Valur Grettisson

[@nicolasnicolas3889]

A lot of us miss Valur and Polly as the first eruption went on for months and they became almost daily viewing and like friends but you're doing a really good job reporting all this and it's not a comparison thing, no judgement, better or worse just we watched them for 6 months, good work though and eh, you could have a lot more volcano reporting to do in the coming years, have a fun day! ;D

[@shaheenamobin4721]

Exactly ,I am missing Polly and valur

[@Julia-uh4li]

Can you tell me where Valur and Polly have gone to?

[@peterginsburg2465]

Ragnhildur, nice job of reporting. Thank you and your photographer. Looks like a long rough hike.

[@drrobairebeckwith3687]

Excellent report and very informative

[@bozobarr]

Honestly, I hate what's happened to this channel since the new owners or whoever did away with Val, Polly, and the other reporters.... That being said, you still have some of the most amazing videographers and drone photography, along with pure, natural sound. I'll admit it, too, your current onsite reporter is doing a pretty swell job, too.

[@jamesv9221]

I’m with you, I really miss Valur, Josie Ann and Polly. The Grapevine with the all crew was like talking to friends at a coffee shop. It was very personal and warm. Now it’s boring but ai agree the reporter at the Volcano is doing a great job.

[@vronw5782]

Is Art, the camera man still with the channel? His video and camera shots were amazing last eruption. 😊

[@peterginsburg2465]

@@vronw5782 Art is still at the Grapevine, according to Valur, who mentioned yesterday on RUV that he and Art might head up to the volcano when they get a chance. He said, Polly would have to stay home, because of the gas. I'm not sure who is shooting video for the Lava Show. I believe Art is still taking photos, video editing, and working on the print version of the Grapevine.

[@Emel-gm2js]

How right you are. Well said.

[@parrattdiddle]

Valur was absolutely brilliant and unique in his presentation. It was what I looked forward to in the the Grapevine videos including the non volcano edition’s. I understand no one likes change and maybe there were some background politics going on ? I’m not really enjoying the new host and come here for the visuals only.

[@DavidIrthum]

This is amazing 😮videos, thanks you for sharing this!

[@DarrenNugent-md4kd]

Wow the vista's of the lava field are stunning plz take care Ragga and stay safe distance away❤

[@LibbyRal]

Shame on you for firing Valur Grettison.

[@renater.540]

Probably not Ragga's fault. And honestly: although I miss Valur and Polly, too , I'm truly impressed by Ragga's reports. Looking forward to more of them

[@peterwilson7532]

Thanks Ragga for another great update and warnings.

[@Gnemix101]

Brilliant reporting. You are doing a great job 👏

[@gluteusmaximus1657]

Takk fýrir Ragga. Sjáumst!

[@patw3611]

Absolutely amazing... thanks for sharing.

[@GeosterTrow]

Stunning sunset shot!

[@mels8659]

Bring back Valur Grettisson, please!

[@mikerichards6065]

Can confirm that Hraun bars are essential when trekking to an Icelandic volcano. To be honest, they are also essential when NOT trekking to an Icelandic volcano. Keep up the good work Ragga - the drone footage is outstanding - and that light is gorgeous. I wish I could be there.

[@franziskabertram3286]

Art was and artist again. Thank you for your report and those mesmerising pictures.

[@evanofelipe]

Some very good advice is given here for visitors in a well balanced and rational manner.

[@phila3884]

Grapevine sets the standard for volcano video! Amazing quality. The amount ans speed of the lava flow is incredible.

[@annisner8112]

Stunning video and tons of good information about the area and the dangers of traveling to the volcano site. Thanks you

[@Seafariireland]

Raka has added a lava flow of “glowing” class at last to this show, so much more professional presentation, keep up the fantastic performance and superb commentary. Raka, you’re “HOT” ❤ SkipRay, Kerry, Ireland.

[@Julia-uh4li]

​@@Seafariireland Are you getting kick-backs from them? Or are you her family? I want Valur and Polly to come back and make appearances!! They made the channel great imho.🫤

[@thepiratecats801]

The Lava show is brilliant.

[@samsmith2635]

I miss Saga Stories Also I appreciate Ragnhildurs practice knowledge. I can already hear her yelling at me not to touch the lava lmao.

[@SunShine-ml1ke]

Thank you for this Video🌋❤

[@unionlanding]

Excellent report

[@BL-zi9wb]

I'm visiting in September and really hope the eruption keeps going until then

[@fluffy_mcflooferson4635]

Amazing. Thank you for keeping the rest of the world 🌋

[@d.aardent9382]

Thanks for your efforts reporting from as close as you can. Just breathing or getting stuff in your eyes is a risk.

[@ariane3407]

What happend to Valur and Polly

[@smashICE1]

Thanks for the update. Your country is so awesome and frightening ;) Wonderful sunset at the end!! Stay safe!

[@Ravynwulf]

Majestic Iceland. I love it.

[@MegaMesozoic]

Really don't understand why people want to walk on freshly erupted lava (unless they have a death wish), but glad that the rescue services have made it clear that they will not retrieve anyone doing such an insane thing!

[@helmutrausch336]

Maybe there is an possibility that Valur and Polly come as an guest mext with Ragga ? 😊 best regards

[@carolehenderson9185]

Thanks for excellent advice and coverage of this incredible event.

[@Gvcuk]

Hi can i ask what happened to Valur Gunnarsson, who used to do the videos during previous eruptions with his dog Polly, i think it was. Thank you for the updated video its good to be able to get reports direct from the eruption area. Best wishes GVC

[@emilyflotilla931]

He moved on to other things. I think his video should still be here when he said goodbye. Actually, it's 7 months ago. Just showed up in my feed.

[@laskatz3626]

He should start his own KZbin channel. I’d subscribe.

[@Gvcuk]

Me too!

[@karliw2218]

Yes, I miss Valur, Polly and his great cameraman, Art❤ we learned so much about The beautiful island of Iceland from them. 🇺🇸

[@clairewilson3258]

Thank you for informative and non-sensational reporting on this fascinating geologic event. I too got all drawn in two years ago, and I appreciate the wonderful video and great reporting that you are doing, Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir.

[@patriciakavanaugh5300]

Very beautiful and very informative. Thank you, well done!

[@wendywilson18]

This video must have been made and posted before access to the site was closed earlier. It is really, really difficult to believe that people still walk on new lava, only very slightly chilled! Egad! But this is a great video and provides some great views and commentary by Ragga! Well done, and my thanks for all of it.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

considering they got REALLY close to the lava and then posted a video they are CONTRIBUTING to the stupid practices of those people. so...no sub today, and a downvote as well.

[@Caprabone]

Time to start advertising the 'don't walk on the lava' merch. 😂

[@NeilHoward]

well done, thanks

[@harrybridges8258]

This is what I love about the Reykjavik Grapevine, it is the storytelling. The incredible landscape, plus the stories of the people. I know I will be impressed every time I check up with this YT Channel.

[@williamlloyd3769]

Fantastic!

[@jscordoba3]

I went yesterday. So happy I saw it. Your video is way better than mine though. 😅

[@markuserikssen]

It looks stunning! Well done Ragga! Sad to hear that the area is closed now, due to people climbing on the lava fields...

[@OleOlson]

They shouldn't close it. Even when someone dies they shouldn't close it. Sign post things, inform people that no rescue attempts will ever be made, and have safety people greet the hikers, then let whatever happens happen. The authorities shut down all access to Hawaiian volcanoes for instance, which punishes everyone for the stupid actions of a few stupid people. That's not the way Iceland should go.

[@Mar-up7db]

Ah, that clattering sound again! Fascinating.

[@mary-kittybonkers2374]

I just need a reminder, was Valur the excellent journalist who reported on the volcano with his dog called Polly? I’m probably completely wrong.

[@BlottyWellRight]

Yes...all the new reporters SUCK @$$

[@loishanson6975]

Thank you, spectacular video and interesting information. Stay safe

[@leonardfibigerlewis]

Thank you for the info and breathtakingly beautiful videography. I wish I could join you there for it has been a life long dream of mine to witness an eruption first hand.

[@joachimfrey3827]

Thank you for this video. Great drone flights.

[@kariknight6287]

Wow! Great video!

[@SoCo_Surfcasting]

Thank you Ragga! What kid of respirator is that? Takk!

[@timecomments]

Thank you for the information you provided and the view. There's a huge flow there. Stay safe.

[@delhatton]

well done

[@IcelandAdventures]

Sweet views ! 👍

[@christiroseify]

Oh honey... We are so grateful that you go there to give us a first hand look at what is happening, but PLEEEASEEE don't risk your lungs, put your mask on... Your health and safety is far more important than our voyeurism... lol The Lord be with you dear...

[@bgmckeown]

Awesome report and footage!! Thank you!

[@bartjes2509]

Thanks for sharing so much valuable information and images. This is exactly what I hope to shoot Wednesday when I hope to be there. Can I rent mountainbikes anywhere near the site ?

[@nightowl0815]

omg tomorrow i'll be there :3

[@williamarmstrong7199]

I have to admit I miss poĺy

[@sherryramirez6329]

the scene at the 10:42 mark WOW

[@Shadowgrrl1]

thanks for keeping us up to date and given us a view of your country. I hope to get there this year..

[@Seafariireland]

Raka, the lava is so orange, red and fiery and very exciting but your own mesmerising and warmly “glowing” personality are what make this presentation so watchable and attractive! See you again soon I hope. SkipRay, Kerry, Ireland.❤

[@jfabraga]

Aw, Sorry to appear in the background in shorts! Was mixed temperature there 😂 and I was focused on the drones

[@firefly01]

Ragga's accent is excellent and I can follow the commentary without the closed captions! No it's not the same, just different and all is well.

[@sailingonasummerbreeze7892]

Very lovely - thank you!

[@dinowenino9588]

Thank you for your very thorough reporting and beautiful video, I greatly appreciated them - but I must say that I do miss Valur and Polly.

[@emiliyavuchkova7979]

Valur and Polly ??????¿?

[@ThomasistheTwin]

Actually did an actually good job actually

[@ronhill5118]

When are you going to have a new volcano watch programÉ

[@Bakvet]

Where is Polly? : )

[@judycater2832]

Amazing- thank you! ❤❤❤

[@IRBrouwer]

Great video! Lots of good info, much needed to some I might add. ;-) Thanks for doing this, I appreciate it very much as I am unable to come to Iceland and see it for myself.

[@vikkimikkola5957]

Too bad Valur is not here. Will skip to another site to observe.

[@djmillhaus]

"What we are seeing here behind me is basically..." a girl that is obviously well accustomed to the cold weather, wearing shorts up there 😅

[@lnwolf41]

Another fascinating volcano video. As much as I would love to go see this, I am too fat. Too old, and way too out of shape😅😅

[@SkyeRangerNick]

Yes; scary and exciting.

[@davidfranko7843]

Does the respirator actually help?

[@megadethbangkok8747]

I LOVE ICELAND!!!!!

[@ericassuvtravels]

I have always told my children, that the more mesmerizing and the more beautiful nature is the more deadly it is and to use extreme caution.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

I hope you are not going close up to the actual flow. people that film themselves very close and then posting that is highly irresponsible.

[@PuentesRE]

Goodness

[@koczisek]

"Do not walk on lava" is the craziest recommendation I've heard so far! It's something like "do not put your head in a campfire". I guess, that if one cannot imagine himself achieving a fate of General Grievous, then he/she's basically a walking sausage and you can't help him.

[@TheSpizzaboy]

Prehistoric man, far out 😮

[@jeffbridges666]

I agree, Valur and Polly made this channel

[@sandradoddema8370]

Could you tell me that where you were standing in front of the lava to tell about the guy. How far away is that hiking? It feels like a lot less far then going to the vulcano itself

[@colinlove5062]

All the smoke and gases along with the dry clear weather do make for incredible sunsets. I can see why there’d be a festive atmosphere those scenes from 10:30 onwards are insane looking with the lava fountain just visible and the sky lit up all different colors.

[@micheledonovan4225]

What a terrifying sight

[@vaevictis_]

Beautifully terrifying (like a lot of Iceland…)

[@neo-fs7xn]

super ton fond vert

[@sharonla8071]

Two things. I'm enjoying your reporting but I wish you'd put your mask on. Secondly, if anyone hikes into that area, who isn't incredibly fit, and will be out of breath when they get there, they are crazy. I hiked to the top of the mountain on Guadalupe and was exhausted when reached the top. There was some Sulphur in the air and I couldn't help breathing it in. It took two full years to recover from just that small amount of gas. It was nothing like what is happening in Iceland.