Iceland volcano erupts on Reykjanes peninsula

A volcanic eruption has occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland following a period of heightened earthquake activity. Approximately 4,000 residents of the fishing town Grindavik were evacuated earlier this month, and the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa was temporarily closed. The eruption commenced north of Grindavik at 22:17 local time, according to the Icelandic Met Office. Although it is not anticipated to cause disruptions on the scale of the 2010 eruption that affected European air travel, the region around Reykjavik has experienced increased seismic activity since late October.

The eruption, situated about 4km northeast of Grindavik, was preceded by a series of seismic events, as captured in images and videos shared on social media. The glow of lava and billowing smoke were visible from Reykjavik, located approximately 42km northeast of Grindavik. Authorities have cautioned people to avoid the affected area, as the length of the volcanic crack is approximately 3.5km, and the lava is flowing at a rate ranging from 100 to 200 cubic metres per second—significantly higher than in recent eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula.

Witnesses in Reykjavik described the sky in the direction of the eruption as “lit up in red,” and police have issued warnings to stay away. The eruption, spanning a large crack in the volcano, was characterized by a senior police officer as a “quite large event.” Despite the eruption’s power, Iceland’s foreign minister assured that flights to and from the country remain unaffected, with international flight corridors remaining open.

Iceland, on high alert for weeks, had previously ordered evacuations in Grindavik as a precaution. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries. Volcanologist Dr. Evgenia Ilyinskaya emphasized that the current eruption is not expected to generate the same level of disruption as the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption due to the different nature of the volcanoes in southwest Iceland. Authorities are, however, prepared for potential lava flows that could pose a threat to homes and infrastructure, including the popular tourist destination, the Blue Lagoon. Iceland’s Prime Minister and President expressed concern for the local community’s well-being and emphasized efforts to safeguard lives and structures.