Volcano erupts on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula weeks after town evacuated

Iceland witnessed a spectacular volcanic eruption on Monday, marking the Reykjanes peninsula with vivid bursts of lava and billowing smoke. This event, following weeks of seismic activity, led to the evacuation of a nearby town.

The eruption, initiated around 10 p.m. local time, was preceded by an earthquake an hour earlier, as reported by the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

Located close to Hagafell, approximately 3 kilometers north of Grindavík, the eruption brought a mesmerizing display of glowing lava gushing from the fissure in the ground. The Coast Guard shared a video showcasing this stunning sight, with a helicopter hovering over the luminous stream of lava against a backdrop of smoke-laden air painted in shades of orange and red.

Iceland’s government disclosed that the fissure opening spans nearly 4 kilometers, marking the fourth eruption in the region since 2021 and the most expansive to date.

Preceding the eruption, last month witnessed an evacuation order for Grindavík and surrounding areas, prompting residents to refrain from staying in their homes overnight amid the imminent threat of a volcanic event.

RÚV, the public broadcaster, mentioned the successful clearance of Grindavík, once home to over 3,000 people, from the path of the lava flow. This town, known for its proximity to the famed Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, attracted tourists but is currently off-limits.

Assured by Iceland’s government that the eruption does not endanger lives, precautions have been put in place, restricting access to the area and urging people to avoid it.

Although not anticipated to impact residential areas or vital infrastructure in the days ahead, the eruption does emit substantial quantities of toxic gases, cautioned the Icelandic Tourist Board on Tuesday.