by Betty Blake

Created on: April 16, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2010

Mother Nature is at it again.  This time, the country of 'fire and ice,' (Iceland) is the conduit of nature's fury.  Thanks to the volcanic eruption beneath the glacier (Eyjafjallajokull). It is the sixth biggest in Iceland; and it lies 100 miles of the capital Reykjavik.  Iceland is no stranger to volcanic eruptions; it occurred sometime in 2004.  The Icelandic authorities took no changes in regards to safety of its residents.  Thus, they evacuated 800 people within the neighborhood in the early hours of Wednesday.

The volcanic eruption has caused a very thick cloud of ash across the United Kingdom (UK) and the Northern Europe.  The ash clouds can be seen from space, and has risen between 20,000 to 36,000 feet and is causing havoc over a 1200 mile radius. 

It is reported that large chunks or cubes of ice in the thousands have been spewing.  Due to this eruption, world travel has been tremendously disrupted.  As a result of this volcanic ash, Britain has closed its major airports including Heathrow. 

The French authorities have canceled flights to Paris and other destinations. In addition, Northern Europe has followed suit and have made the decision to close their airports in order to protect the airplanes and human lives.

Some might argue that planes normally travel through clouds on a daily basis; however, these ashy clouds are different.  The clouds provide minimal visibility for pilots.  Moreover, the clouds contain glass-like particles which are abrasive in nature; and these could damage cockpit windshilds and wings. These particles when come in contact with engines could severely compromise and shutdown engines. 

Therefore, Britian and other countries are not taking any chances and have closed airspaces.  In Europe, approximately 60% of flights have been grounded.  And, this has caused a ripple effect in worldwide including the United States.  As a result, many world leaders will not be able to attend the state funeral for Poland's president. 

The United Nations and other health authorities have warned people to take precautions to protect themelves as there are health risks involved from exposure to these ashes. They smell like sulfphur; more like rotten eggs.  Some of the symptoms are itchy eyes and sore throat.  

Authorities further stated that although the exposure is not life threatening, residents especially with respiratory ailments should limit their time on the outdoors.

So far, scientists and other experts are in the area carrying out investigations.  They say that rivers around the surrounding areas are rising.  Therefore, there is a possibility of flooding. The FDA officials are also working with the respective bodies so as to direct flights away from the clouds. 

Clearly the eruption of this volcano has caused enormous disruption of world travel.  It is the worse since 9/11 and millions of dollars are lost daily.  It is reported that conditions could go on for days or weeks as we everyone plays the waiting game with Mother Nature.

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