A fresh volcanic eruption in southwestern Iceland has led to the evacuation of residents and visitors, including those at the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, according to national broadcaster RUV.
The eruption began around 4 a.m. on Wednesday following a surge of intense seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, located southwest of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, as confirmed by the country’s Meteorological Office.
Approximately 100 people were evacuated from the nearby town of Grindavik shortly after tremors began. Tourists camping in the area and guests staying at the Blue Lagoon were also quickly asked to leave. RUV reported that many packed up in haste as the situation developed.
Local police commissioner Margrét Kristín Pálsdóttir described the evacuation process as smooth and said it took about 90 minutes to complete. “People naturally have different views on whether evacuations are always necessary, but it’s a call we make and take full responsibility for,” she stated.
According to the Met Office, lava is flowing southeast from a fissure in the volcanic zone, which measures between 700 and 1,000 meters (roughly 2,300 to 3,300 feet) in width. However, the lava currently does not pose a threat to infrastructure or inhabited areas.
Grindavik has been impacted multiple times since volcanic activity resumed in the region in November 2023, ending an 800-year period of dormancy. The repeated eruptions have kept authorities and residents on high alert in the volcanically active zone.
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