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Monday, April 19, 2010

Iceland volcano: Amazing pictures show apocalyptic scene as wall of black fog covers the country in darkness

By Rhianna King

It's behind you: Motorists escape the smoke and ash rising up from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano


Dark, menacing and showing no signs of abating, this is the apocalyptic-style scene that has simultaneously captivated and terrified locals at the heart of Iceland's volcanic eruption.

As people in Britain and the rest of Europe are caught up with the unprecedented travel chaos caused by the eruption, those in Iceland are living with blankets of ash falling from the sky and fears of volcanic floods.

This stunning series of images shows how the black volcanic fog that has wreaked havoc across Europe has created an eerie spectacle.


Darkness falls: A farm is shrouded in black as the volcanic cloud spreads across Iceland


Spectacular: Lightning streaks across the sky as lava flows from a volcano in Eyjafjallajokul


Almost completely blocking out an otherwise blue sky, the cloud resembled a tornado as it swept across the landscape.

On remote farms, animals, houses and nearby mountain ranges were coated in grey as the wall of fog moved across the sky, creating the impression it was the middle of the night.

As the fog moved in, farmers lured their animals to safety amid fears they would be poisoned by eating or drinking volcanic ash

Since Eyjafjallajokill erupted hundreds of farmers were evacuated but many have returned to tend to their animals despite fears of volcanic floods.

Dairy farmer Hanna Lara Andrews, whose farm sits below the Eyjafjallajokill glacier, said so far livestock seemed okay.


Taking cover: Farmer Thorarinn Olafsson tries to lure his horses back to the stable as a cloud of black ash looms


Apocalyptic: A black column of ash is pictured over the farm of Drangshlid at Eyjafjoll, Iceland


'The biggest problem is that the roads have been destroyed so the milk can't be collected. We can only stock a certain amount on the farm; if the roads aren't repaired soon, we will have to throw it away.

The ash is still falling thickly; it's difficult to see through it. But it could change direction for the north, which would move it away from the farms.'

'Our biggest fear is the floods. They could come at any moment. Our land hasn't been damaged yet, but some of our neighbours' has.


source: dailymail