Volcano Erupts,numbers Evacuated
A volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland has prompted evacuation to the nearby town of Grindavík and the renowned Blue Lagoon spa, a popular tourist destination. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that the eruption began at approximately 09:45 local time just north of Grindavík. In less than an hour, a fissure measuring 700 meters (2,296 feet) in width had opened and continued to expand.
The eruption follows a series of earthquakes that struck the Sundhnúk crater range earlier in the morning, around 06:30 local time. Authorities had preemptively ordered the evacuation of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon before the eruption occurred. Roads leading to and from the town are closed, though flights in the region remain unaffected.
By 11:20 local time, the IMO reported that the initial fissure had extended southward with a new crack opening as well. Officials are urging any remaining residents in Grindavík to evacuate immediately as some individuals have reportedly declined to heed the evacuation order.
According to Grindavík’s police chief, Úlfar Lúðvíksson, only about 40 homes were occupied as the majority of the town’s 4,000 residents were permanently evacuated in November 2023 due to heightened volcanic activity. This ongoing situation is part of a series of eruptions that have affected the region since 2021.
The volume of magma forming beneath the crater series has reached approximately 11 kilometers (6.8 miles)—the longest recorded since November 11, 2023, according to the IMO. With current wind patterns, gas emissions from the eruption are expected to drift northeast towards the capital area.
Iceland, known for its unique geological features, has 33 active volcanic systems and is situated over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the boundary between two major tectonic plates. The Reykjanes Peninsula has not experienced volcanic activity of this nature in over 800 years, with previous eruptions persisting for decades.
As the situation develops, officials continue to monitor the eruption closely, emphasizing the importance of following evacuation orders for the safety of residents and visitors in the area.
