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The eruption
The Westman Islands is a group of islands off
the south coast of Iceland. There is a beautiful
town on Heimaey, the biggest island. This
island has an almost unbelievable history. On the
night of 23 January, 1973 the islanders awoke to
a horrible fact. A volcano had erupted and burning
lava and fire were a real and immediate danger to
the townspeople. All residents were rescued from the
island that night, although about 300 people stayed to rescue
whatever could be rescued in the town. For example, cars
were moved from the island to the mainland. The harbour
was protected, as well as all the houses that possibly could be
saved. Nevertheless, over 400 houses ended up under the lava
and another 400 were damaged. This terrible natural disaster
and the remarkable efforts of those who saved the town made
headlines around the world. The new mountain is called
Eldfell. It is still warm from the eruption.
Surtsey
The volcanic eruption on Heimaey was not the
only eruption in that area. Ten years earlier there
was an amazing underwater eruption that also
captured the world’s attention. The volcanic
island Surtsey rose from the sea and right from the
beginning the press all over the world was fascinated
Westman
