A volcanic eruption occurred in southwestern Iceland on Thursday, marking the sixth eruption since December on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption began at 9:26 pm GMT, with live footage showing red lava emerging from a new fissure. This fissure extended about 3.9 kilometers, with an additional 1.5 kilometers developing in just 40 minutes, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
Despite the dramatic visuals, the Icelandic Meteorological Office reported that the eruption did not pose a threat to life. The Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed that while the nearby area was evacuated, the impact remains localized to the vicinity of the eruption site. Regional authorities have managed the evacuation of the nearby fishing village of Grindavik, where most of the 4,000 residents had already been displaced due to previous eruptions.
Sixth Volcanic Eruption in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula Causes Local Evacuations but No Threat to Life
Iceland’s Keflavik Airport, a major hub, and the national air navigation service Isavia both assured that flights to and from Iceland were operating normally despite the eruption. However, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and hotel had to close and evacuate its guests as a precautionary measure.
Seismic activity continued even after the eruption started, with a magnitude 4.0 earthquake recorded shortly after the eruption began. This ongoing seismic activity is part of a larger pattern of eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which has experienced nine eruptions since 2021. These eruptions have been linked to the reactivation of geological systems that had been dormant for centuries.
The Reykjanes Peninsula, home to around 30,000 people, is facing a long-term volcanic threat. Authorities have responded by building barriers to protect critical infrastructure, including the Svartsengi power plant and Grindavik. The volcanic system on the peninsula is characterized by the formation of giant fissures rather than central craters. Ongoing studies and monitoring continue to assess the risks and manage the impact of these frequent eruptions.
