As many of us have already heard/seen, a volcano erupting in Iceland has caused major problems. One of those problems is with the airlines. For a few days there were no flights taking off or arriving in Iceland because of the ash cloud covering Europe. The worst seems to be over since the volcanic activity is weakening. However there is still a lot of ash falling down and people are being told to wear masks for protection.
About 100,000 flights were canceled because of this eruption and the airlines are predicting over $2.2 billion in loss. Iceland and small part of Scotland had their airports closed. Along with this, thousands of European flights were canceled during the past week.
A major concern about this eruption is that it might lead to another. Katla is Eyjafjallajokull’s neighbor and is much more powerful and bigger. Katla is overdue for an eruption and according to some geophysicists; this past eruption could be the trigger. History about these two volcanoes tells us that after Eyjafjallajokull erupts, Katla will follow.
Livestock are also being affected by this ordeal. Around 20 farms closest to the volcano had to relocate, only being allowed back to their farms for essential farm work. Along with this, farmers are told to keep their animals inside. Ash that is falling on the ground can be fatal for animals if they eat the grass it is covering. Some animals could be put at risk for contracting fluorosis, which is a fatal bone disease. Drinking water is also being watched by the farmers in case it starts to spoil. One good thing is that at this time in Iceland most of the animals are inside. However, as temperatures start to warm up the farmers are going to want their animals outside.
Traffic has been affected because of floodwater. Some roads have been breached to channel the water and in some places it is difficult to drive because of low visibility. Flooding is a major danger caused by eruptions but they say the worst seems to have passed. Some croplands were damaged as well but nothing to catastrophic.
Without the media, this story would not be getting out to the public. I probably would have no idea that there was a volcano erupting, shutting down air traffic and causing thousands of people great distress. This volcanic experience does not only affect the people living in Iceland. With air traffic down, thousands and thousands of people all around the world were/are affected. Also, if Katla erupts next there could be even more devastation than this last time.
Picture: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/21/article-1267721-092C7596000005DC-426_468x286.jpg
I also read some articles on this volcano eruption, which like you said I would not have known about without the media. It's crazy how the clouds of smoke and ashes could shut down airlines and cost them so much money. It is also weird to realize that was is happening millions of miles away can still affect us and others.
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