Volcanic eruptions are mesmerizing. The glowing red lava, explosive power and widening fissures serve as reminders that we stand and build not on static ground, but on a very dynamic Earth. For the Icelandic port of Grindavik, the escaping magma is less of a marvel and more of a nightmare. For the rest of the world, it should be a lesson that preparing for natural disasters is ever more important during the climate crisis.

Grindavik was evacuated for the second time since November earlier this month, hours before an eruption created deep cracks in the ground and sent lava flowing over roads. As of Wednesday, the volcanic activity had ceased, but not before inflicting considerable damage on the fishing town’s infrastructure. Dangerous crevasses are appearing and growing across the area. Molten rock has destroyed three houses.