On January 23, 1973, the Eldfell volcano erupted on the island of Heimaey, off the coast of Iceland.

The eruption spewed ash to the south. The majority of islanders were able to evacuate by fishing boats. A small crew of brave police and firemen stayed behind to protect the town and the harbor.

They worked to divert the destruction for six months by spraying seawater on the lava flow to harden and divert new lava away from the harbor.

These brave women and men worked for six months to protect their home and their community.

Instagram videos showed floodwaters in China. In one, a raging river flowed through a town. As we watch, the flooding river struck a pedestrian bridge and swept it into the flow. The person recording on their phone followed the metal bridge as it bobbed and swirled down the…