Volcano Watch 2023: Escorting Grindavík Residents Home For Essentials

[@lindabriggs5118]

You parents were extremely courteous to tell us how it was the days during the earthquakes. Your video showing the town were great. Thank you to your mother and father and for your impressions and feelings. My prayers go out for you and the families that were evacuated.

[@russvhill2]

That was the most moving bit of journalism I've seen for a long time! Looking over the shoulders of Jon's parents made the horror and their peril very real, especially as even under pressure they were willing to switch to English so we could watch with them the changes to their town and home, without being distracted by subtitles. Thanks too to the ever professional Art who never fails to capture the most memorable images. Keep safe and let us all hope your difficulties will soon be resolved.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thank you so much for watching! We've added links to the description for how you can support local aid efforts and the Grapevine's reporting.

[@emmerentiagroenewald3694]

It is amazing that everyone is dissiplined and helping one another.... What a civilised country!! They obey the orders of the police,and understand the danger of the situation..... But no pushing and shoving! My heartful sympathy with every inhabitant of Grundavik!!❤❤❤❤❤from Cape Town,South Africa.🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@firefly01]

Unlike so much of South Africa, my home country too.

[@gubocci]

That's Europe, nothing special.

[@acerone10]

Sure is not the US.

[@gregdebree9158]

Yes, these people are good rule followers. but in the USA we have our “free dumb.” Wishing you all well

[@CaptainPanick]

@@gubocci Europe won't be like that for long though, depending where you live Europe is slowly turning into the middle east/africa.

[@mrowl-the-dsm1304]

To Jon, his parents and the The Reykjavik Grapevine, My thoughts go out to you all, this is the best video I have seen on Grindavik evacuation, and it's real, Thank you all for creating this,

[@tobiasstuttgen7132]

The silence at the end speaks the loudest. Thank you for this video - and good luck to you all.

[@kevrymell6636]

Once again Jon and The Reykjavik Grapevine providing some real insights into the human aspects of this incident. I hope all the families managed to salvage their belongings - the uncertainty of whether you will ever see your home again must be really stressful......

[@JaneRobinson24]

We invite you to a vital event on December 2, at 17:00 GMT: *"Global* *Crisis.* *The* *Responsibility"* (international online forum). There will be voiced the information on which the fate of each of us and the entire civilization depends.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thank you so much for watching! We've added links to the description for how you can support local aid efforts and the Grapevine's reporting.

[@fernie5128]

Thank you to your parents for sharing what must be such a frightening and emotional time. My heart goes out to your family and all of the residents of Grindavik as their lives are being upended. All the best.

[@kathleenschaubhut4174]

Jon, thank you for sharing your lovely parents. Your report shows the impact this volcanic activity has had on families and homes. I think this is the best report I have seen on the earthquakes and growing danger . Your camera person did a great job, especially at the end of this report. Very moving. Prayers for your family and all the citizens of Grindavik. Stay safe.

[@blackibex]

I'm sorry the people (and your parents) have to go through this. I wish everyone well and that everybody's safe.

[@wendywilson18]

This video definitely brings us closer to what it is like for your parents and all others who currently live in Grindavik. I am so sorry for your parents, and for you, and for all the people who live/have lived here! Thank you very much for this close and personal account!

[@GrumpyMeow-Meow]

Lovely, kind people. Thank you for introducing us to your parents. My thoughts are with all the people of Grindavik.

[@cuedotfilms4427]

I found this video very emotional to watch. I always visit Grindavík when I'm over that side of Iceland, ( I was last there in May) and when I'm there I visit the sweet/coffee shop for a coffee and ice-cream. I have always found everyone extremely friendly and welcoming. To see this is very upsetting. I'm just so pleased everyone is safe and I hope this will always be the case. I really hope it won't be too bad and that one day I will visit for more coffee and ice-cream in this wonderful friendly town. ❤ Grindavík

[@DarrenNugent-md4kd]

All the best to the people of Grindavik and your family too stay safe and be prepared 👍 ❤ from the UK 🇬🇧

[@suemadill7469]

Thank you for this. And thank you to your parents for allowing us in to their home. My family was affected by the volcano on vestmannaeyjar back in the 70s. My cousin said his one regret was they didn't grab the family photos when then were evacuated

[@LilyGazou]

I put all the photos in one suitcase near a door. In case.

[@vickitoriana3454]

One thing that stuck out to me when i visited iceland is how lovely and down to earth islsndic people are. Its so sad hearing your parents talk so calmly about potentially losing their home. Its even sadder watching them hurry through the house knowing its possibly for the last time. My heart goes out to them, and everyone else in Grindavik. I can see that this is bad but i hope it doesnt get any worse for grindavik. Stay safe x love from london.

[@nolasmith7687]

Ok…this showed me just what a chicken I am. During the Christchurch earthquake in 2011 I wasn’t happy having to walk over cracks in the paths to get to the public loo I desperately needed…here they are driving over opening cracks across the road with the water boiling in the pipes alongside. I really hope all stays well with you and your family Jon. Thank you for taking us along on this journey. I wish your country the best possible outcome from this drama. Cheers from Oz. 🇦🇺

[@eljanrimsa5843]

Christchurch was a different type of earthquake. Iirc the big issue was soil liquidification. That's not expected here, and they have plenty of experience with evaluating what are the actual odds when driving over cracks in the roads and when it's worth taking them.

[@nolasmith7687]

Yes totally agree with you.@@eljanrimsa5843 There was no volcanic lava flows to deal with…we had water gushing up through the pavement. Stay well. Cheers from Oz

[@keithstandiford3761]

Thank you for this powerful work. In California I have been evacuated or on evacuation warning multiples time for forest fires close by. Though we had no damage, many others lost everything. This strikes a few nerves. The deadly calm and the waiting are so hard...

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thank you so much for watching! We've added links to the description for how you can support local aid efforts and the Grapevine's reporting.

[@KittyMiZfit]

Heart breaking that the people of Grindavik are having to go through this, my thoughs & prayers are with you all. Stay safe all.

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

I'm a videographer/photographer for a newspaper in Pennsylvania... you're doing some great work covering the crisis. Thanks for this coverage. I'm watching all your video updates. On behalf of our staff here in the US, thanks for doing this valuable work, be safe. Dave K Director of Special Projects Williamsport Sun-Gazette

[@dougclaus5921]

Wow! Such a great documentary! Up close and personal. Thank you Jón and your parents for sharing! I remember the eruption on Vestmannaeyjar in 1973. I did not realize that some of those residents stayed in Grindavík and now experience a second evacuation.

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thank you so much for watching! We've added links to the description for how you can support local aid efforts and the Grapevine's reporting.

[@brucetidwell7715]

Thank you to your parents for being willing to share such a tragic time. I literally cannot imagine. The people of Grindavick are in my heart.

[@nanmattingly6402]

I feel sorry for all the residents of Grindavik. It looks bad. Please stay safe everyone from there. I'll be hoping you can return to your homes soon.

[@Letthatonemarinate-h2r]

This footage will be so valuable for years to come. Make sure media don’t use it unless you give them permission!

[@Tawadeb]

Watermark it

[@lkirkby3]

Your personal coverage puts a real true face on the magnitude of what people are facing with this event. Thanks for sharing and here's hoping for the best outcome for everybody. The orderliness of the process is remarkable and something to be respected.

[@musictothesoul4life]

I am so sorry for your parents and all those that live there. Thank you for sharing this with us and also speaking English for our benefit. I am forever in awe of the Icelandic people.

[@davidniemi4051]

Thank you for the video. The impacts on the people of Grindavik and the effects of the moving magma & earthquakes were really nice to see. Very organised, efficient and quick. No evidence of any self-entitled people which was great to see !!

[@CarolynDeasonmusiclistener]

WOW! THANK YOU! Truly appreciate this real life experience with your parents! God bless everyone there and keep them safe. Never mind those possessions; they're just 'stuff'. LIVES are far more important! Great job reporting! It reached us all the way to the Texas Coastal Bend! USA!

[@bilcal]

Thank you, Jon, your parents and Reykjavik Grapevine for providing a real time look at the needs of the people of Grindavik. Your parents were very gracious to allow us to follow their journey and conduct the discussions in English in the midst of such a trying time. A quiet retirement is now a thing of the past. Hoping for the best for everyone and keeping up prayers for all those who have now to cope with completely changed circumstances. I appreciated the fine camera work of your videographer. Please be safe as you continue to report on the situation. All the best!

[@TheReykjavikGrapevine]

Thank you so much for watching! We've added links to the description for how you can support local aid efforts and the Grapevine's reporting.

[@reallyrho1101]

Thank you for putting a real human touch on this incident. Your parents are lovely and I hope everything will be ok. I visited Grindavik a few years ago, what a beautiful town, scary what is happening to it.

[@maramé.r]

Gives a good sense of what is happening in Grindavik and the level of damage and anxiety about what could arise. Good that everyone has been able to visit their homes and rescue pets and valued things

[@Escape_With_Us_Official]

We got caught up in this evacuation, we were making travel vlogs in Iceland and in the middle of the night, the town we were staying in (Grindavik) suddenly became a danger zone and we were evacuated to a safe house.

[@MrSveddi]

I have seen your video and I i recommend people to check it out, it´s good (Also the video with drone footage from fagradalsfjall). It´s so interesting to watch your emotions from giggling, becoming irritated, pissed and annoyed and then realise the gravity of the situation. Othervice, take care and hope you have a good time in Iceland.

[@10highflush]

How frightening. I am impressed with the calmness, yet urgency shown by those displaced from their homes, including your parents. I'm hoping for the best for everyone there.

[@neillgrieve7993]

Thank you Jon for sharing your plight. Helps us really understand what is going on. The outside world is very much watching and concerned for the people of Grindavik and Iceland. Take care and stay safe!

[@malcolmmyatt9092]

I can’t imagine the stress you are going through right now. We hope for you all will turn out well.

[@MystLily]

everyone is doing such a great job of remaining calm and doing what they need to do. I watched your dad and he already had a plan of what he was going to do with the time he had allocated and it's easy to see he already had a plan in his mind for the environment they chose to live in. No matter where I live, I have an evacuation plan, sometimes people laugh at me but I prefer to be cautious

[@LilyGazou]

I live in an earthquake zone and few people are prepared.

[@DeborahThird-og1uo]

Me too. My town published the statistics that 1 in 28 households here are prepared for a serious disaster.

[@RaserballKP]

That was by far the most authentic and down to earth video about the situation in Grendavik that I have seen so far. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@Alan-zi4or]

I hope your parents will be ok / thank you for doing this in English / I've been to Iceland in 2006 it is an amazing country / I'm from Australia so it's a long journey / please stay safe ❤

[@monicaeberle8505]

I am in awe of the calm cooperation between the evacuees and the people assisting the evacuation. Everyone friendly and helpful, even in the face of a cataclysmic event!

[@groovingranny5452]

Such a sad situation! I am glad to see how cooperative the people are during this trying time.

[@5Heth]

This new threat of earthquakes & rising magma is, to me, far worse than all the lava flows the tourists were flocking to see in the past couple of years. I hope this latest threat doesn't turn into another tourist site. I hope everyone got out of Grindavik safely with all their pets & most cherished possessions & that someone is helping the elderly or invalid people to get to somewhere safe & warm with warm food in their belly's. Best wishes to all that have been affected by what is going on in Iceland right now.

[@ianjames3078]

This is such a personal insight, how generous of your parents agreeing to share their thoughts at such a terrible time. The video has brought the reality to the world so much more intimately than main news broadcasters. Wishing you all the best health and safety and hoping your parents can get back to enjoying their ‘golden years’ 👏🙏

[@MausTheGerman]

Hope that wasn’t the last time you entered the house. I came with my own car by ferry to Iceland 3 years ago and visited the same spot. All the best from Germany.

[@bobknull7502]

Thanks for these updates. I didn't realize how personal this was for your family.

[@josephtaylor7756]

Wonderful channel, Jon, bringing the human aspects of this situation to life. Thank you, and please thank your parents. I hope that Grindavik comes out of this with a little more damage only.

[@amymcclellan5767]

From the United States...My prayers to your parents and the citizens of Grindavik

[@rodger8549]

Our thoughts are with you, your family and all the residents of the town. You are strong and resilient people and will get through this.

[@janicefield8156]

This video makes everything seem very real and personal. A rare insight into what it feels like to be there and experience it firsthand. ❤

[@frauleindaniela]

All the best to your parents and all the other people from Grindavik! I felt so sorry for your parents: Just bought a retirement property and now it will probably be gone soon. But good thing that they were so smart to take their time to grab as much as possible on Friday even though they were absolutely terrified. It makes me so sad to hear that but I’m so glad people got a chance to get back into town.

[@judytran3514]

I lived in Iceland for 10 years. Everybody is so calm and respectful in getting their stuff. There is no looting.

[@knuckles-3386]

I wonder why that is??

[@stepheneurosailor1623]

@@knuckles-3386 A homogenous society perhaps?

[@BinaBecker]

@@stepheneurosailor1623 Why be racist when you could be quiet?

[@chrisj1909]

its not racist when its facts that multiculturalism, diversity and mass immigration has failed. it sucks and its just straw-manning to call it racist.@@BinaBecker

[@Elmithian]

@@BinaBecker Tbf, homogeneous cultures tend to have a lot less internal clashing (still have plenty of that, all societies do). Has little to do with skin colour really. It has a lot more to do with clashing cultures. Homogeneous cultures tend to operate relatively smoothly. It is when multiple cultural groups with very different values meet and have to live in close vicinity with one another where clashing starts to occur. Of course, clash of cultures can be a good thing where the various cultures have a bleedout over to one another, enriching said cultures. But it can also, and does, lead to a lot more butting heads. And if the introduction of new cultures is too rapid and not done in organized manner, it often also leads to violence sadly. Do take note that when he said homogeneous, he even added society at the end to, which by my account, is him implying the societal and cultural structure, not something absurdly irrelevant like what a person's melanin content is.

[@rickiefuwanfui145]

Stay safe. You are doing a fantastic job documenting this incredible geologic event. Thank you for sharing your family with us. 💖 From Portland, OR US

[@user-yv7kw1nr2q]

Jon - thank you and your parents for providing information on how the earthquakes and an uncertain future are affecting locals. One can only hope that the lava flows stay well away from town and any structures. I have lived in different parts of the world that have been affected by wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and blizzards. Nature is a constant reminder of how small we are in it's vastness. I wish all of you the best in finding peace during this time in your lives.

[@malcolm20091000]

I am surprised they have left the electricity on in the town. Seems that mixing a strong enough quake with electrical shorts could create fires that would be difficult or impossible to put out. Jon - you also need a heavier jacket!

[@fredfred2363]

Yeah, looked cold... brrrr.

[@clairewilson3258]

This is so special, riding along with a family and their impressions of the current situation, but also the well reasoned actions and knowledge about the place that they live. Jon is doing a great job reporting the big and the little effects of living in a geologically unstable land. Thanks - Jon! Thanks Grapevine!

[@cherylb6755]

Jon, a huge “Thank You!” to your parents for allowing you and your cameraman to film this and for so graciously sharing themselves. Your father on the run from the car made me sick: I cannot imagine what the days and hours leading up to this were like, let alone trying to think straight about what is needed, what is wanted, or what the future holds. I have nothing of value to share with you all in these dark days other than to tell you you are in my thoughts and prayers and I send you much love and positivity. From a world citizen from northeast US. 🌌🌅

[@susannehein4866]

Greetings from Germany wishing all people in Iceland a lot of strength and good luck in these difficult Times.

[@wakeupthebear]

Spooky ending!!!! Thank you for shooting this footage. The water boiling in the sewer said it all. Be safe.

[@WhiteTiger333]

Thank you! You really put the human face onto the challenge! Thanks to your parents to be part of the update. It is a great relief to know that everyone else who had to leave pets behind were able to go retrieve them...and retrieve more valuables. If the eruption does occur, may it happen in the "friendliest" location possible, considering the circumstances. Seeing the water boiling up from that manhole cover was wild! I assume people normally heat water in their homes - it is not delivered already hot? I ask, because I heard something about the geothermal plant producing hot water. Seeing the infrastructure damage, it becomes even more clear why a rail system is not really an option for Iceland!

[@gedfi]

90% of Iceland uses district heating, where heat is delivered as very hot water.

[@WhiteTiger333]

@@gedfi Wow - that's awesome! It's a boggling concept to me, but it makes perfect sense if the water is already very hot from the earth, why not keep it that way and save having to heat it again?!

[@fijack4290]

Sending thoughts and prayers to all in Grindavik, from Scotland.

[@andrewtobin3830]

Your updates are excellent. Please keep them coming. Hope your parents' place is OK.

[@jpayne8078]

Thank you for putting a human and very personal face on this story. I am so impressed with the calmness and ordered fashion everyone is dealing with going back into the town to their homes to collect personal belongings. Very few other countries would be this disciplined and well behaved, what a lovely people they are. It was the steam coming from the sewers that hit home just how near to the surface the magma chamber is. Stay safe everyone .

[@EvieVermont]

We are praying for you here in the US.

[@laisa1956]

I feel so sorry for these people. Well done putting faces to the term "evacuation". I guess nobody really knows what it is like unless you experience it yourself. 😪

[@colinwalford]

What a lovely family! I'm sorry you are all going through this event, as natural as it is. Love and light to you and keep safe. I hope the damage to your home and the town is very limited 🙏❤

[@axelusul]

Great to hear from Icelanders themselves, I pray this "natural inconvenience" may settle soon as possible. Plus you and your parents and the people of Iceland are safe and back home for Xmas. Best wishes from England.

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

I’m praying for you all from the USA 🙏🏻

[@vdubz243]

Thanks again for keeping me upto date Jon. Sad to see. Stay safe everyone in 🇮🇸 from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@kellykara498]

Hello from Athens, Greece. I visited Iceland in July 2004 and absolutely loved it. I hope your family and all people affected from this are safe and soon get back to their daily life.

[@sixthsenseamelia4695]

🌱🌏💚 Thank you for reporting Reykjavik Grapevine

[@Celestium23]

Hi from a geologist in England, and really the best of luck to all the people of Grindavik. Thanks so much for making your videos Jon.

[@burgseeli1911]

Thank you so much giving us the chance have a sneak look to what your folks going through. It must be devastating to leave your home behind you, not knowing if you ever will be back. I'm so sorry for you. Wish you all the best. Sending good vibes.

[@heatherdawn4875]

Visited Iceland last year. Such a beautiful country and people. I pray you’re all safe.

[@123canadagirl]

Sorry for all this happening to your parents village. I almost visited Grindavik on two separate trips to Iceland. Wish I had. Prayers that the eruption would happen further away from the village and also the Blue Lagoon. I’ve gone there two times and really enjoyed it.

[@hippomom26]

Thank you for the look into this lovely town and your family. I do hope things go better than expected for all of you.🇺🇸

[@katiehettinger7857]

Jon, I'm so sorry for your parents and all the other good people of Grindavik. 🇺🇸💙🇮🇸🕊

[@earljohnson2676]

Thank for the English you all speak it so well . Boston Ma here and I’m praying for you guys that this event isn’t that bad and your able to have a home to come back to . Best wishes

[@shirleyreid3911]

I have been to the Blue Lagoon with my Icelandic friend. I am from Canada. Stay safe!

[@Medic397]

Thoughts and prayers for safety and security of all folks having to endure this incident, in this amazing part of our world.

[@bford5357]

Praying for everyone's safety, and homes

[@Mar-up7db]

Oh, we had no idea you had personal links with the whole thing! 😞

[@paulherron6822]

Good luck to your family and all the folks impacted by this force of nature.

[@julierains2578]

Thanks! I am from Missouri, USA. We have the "New Madrid Fault" not very far away and actually have earthquake insurance on our house. We drove the Ring road in Iceland a few years ago. I have been watching various videos on your situation, but I think this is the best. Your parents teaching experience is obvious in their description of their story.

[@Doudoustein]

😢 just heartbreaking.... i was there exactly one month ago... and love this town. May all inhabitants and animals that have not been found yet stay safe and may the infrastructure be not more damaged...

[@ArleneSams]

My sister in law & husband & family living here, in my prayers, have mercy the nature's power is on demanding 🙏🙏🙏

[@julianec8494]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@lazygardens]

That's surreal. It looks so calm and you know there's magma seething underneath you.

[@Laurie473]

Thanks Jon and The Reykjavik Grapevine, for taking us personally for the Journey & chat with your parents.., being 1/2 a world away in Australia, It really brought to us a feeling of the experience for your all ! . Australia being an Ancient Land & in the middle of our Techtronic Plate. We will never experience Threat of an potentially Active Magma event, or Volcano. We Can't quite imaging & we wish all the very best to the Icelandic Nation to pull together & get thru this coming event together

[@iahorvath]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I am amazed how everyone is calm but swift in their tasks and there is no panic. Best of luck to you and your parents.

[@JohnGotts]

Best wishes to your parents. The whole world is looking out for you guys, and you will see help from America if things take a turn for the worse. Fingers crossed that it will all die down and we can forget about the whole thing.

[@jozzy5322]

Thankyou for the amazing videos and info. I hope your parents can return to their house. Your mum is so pretty ☺️

[@DJ-Daz]

I wish everyone in Grandavíc all the best and I hope nothing more comes of the eruption, so everyone can get back on with their lives.

[@B1ll1709]

Thanks for showing us what the situation is like on the ground, best wishes to all

[@toscanotrainer]

BELLISSIMO VIDEO, ti fa vivere il luogo ed il momento in prima fila

[@helenafrisk8787]

I am a teacher (not retired though, only tired 😁) from Sweden and eventough Swedish and Islandic are two quite different languages I could still read and understand the signs at the end of the clip. It breaks my heart that your parents and their neighbours have to put those up - hope as little damage is done to Gríndavik as possible and that most locals can return in the future. 🙏

[@davidlong1459]

My son just returned from an Iceland field trip a fortnight ago. From this, everything I hear about Icelanders is just how civil a society there is with courteous and caring people. Your videos portray and confirm that well. Must be very difficult to have to leave your home not knowing of its future. It was a very lucid description of the initial experiences from your family who are so invested in it. My good wishes to all.

[@TheYacu]

The evolving situation is both fascinating and heartbreaking. Fingers are crossed that the town will be spared and people can return some time in the future.

[@patrickmark3678]

You really make this personal for all of us. I hope that my friends will be safe! I wish I was there to help and support them. It might destroy the town but it will never destroy the people. Be safe we love you all!

[@212372123721237]

Thanks for sharing. So so sad.

[@jesusisking3974]

Please don't forget the animals. Keep them in safe area's. 🙏

[@SaskiavanTetering]

Thank you to Jon, Laufey, Sigurður, and Art for an incredibly moving video. I couldn't really appreciate the 'cost' of the crisis on Gindavik's residents until I saw your parents describing their trauma from Friday night, and then running to get their "lives" packed into the cars. What an emotional impact seeing the empty houses. I'm so sorry for the loss of what your father described as "enjoying our golden years [in Grindavik]." Iceland and Icelanders are truly exceptionally resilient and determined. Thank you for sharing what must be a sad and painful experience. I wish you all well from southwestern Ontario.

[@Celeste-in-Oz]

Great journalism! Very special footage for history. 🇮🇸 deep respect and love from Australia to all of Grindavik. The sea faring ancestors we share would be so proud of your courage. Be safe. 🙏💛