A volcanic eruption on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula early Wednesday has led to the evacuation of parts of Grindavík, one of the country’s most visited tourist attractions, the Blue Lagoon (Bláa lónið), and a nearby campsite. This is the twelfth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021, highlighting a period of intensified volcanic activity in the region.
Ongoing seismic activity and new fissures
According to Iceland’s Meteorological Office, the eruption began near the Sundhnúk crater series after a swarm of more than 130 earthquakes was recorded just before midnight. By early morning, a fissure had opened stretching nearly two kilometres, releasing lava fountains and dense plumes of gas. Although the fissure has now stopped expanding, experts continue to monitor the area closely.
Hundreds evacuated as gas levels pose health risks
Police and civil protection authorities promptly evacuated around 200 guests from the Blue Lagoon to other hotels, along with campers and some residents in Grindavík, a town already familiar with repeated evacuations in recent years. Residents northwest of the eruption have been advised to close windows and ventilation systems due to increased sulphur gas concentrations.
Despite the dramatic visuals, local officials and scientists classify this as a relatively small eruption, unlikely to threaten major infrastructure. However, they warn of hazardous air quality and the possibility of further seismic events.
A long phase of volcanic unrest expected
Experts like Ólafur Gudmundsson, professor of seismology at Uppsala University, suggest this activity may mark the continuation of a new volcanic cycle on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Based on historical patterns, similar phases have lasted 200 to 300 years, raising concerns about how future eruptions might impact nearby communities, including Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital.
For now, flights remain unaffected and the eruption poses no immediate risk to Reykjavík, but authorities maintain heightened alert levels. Meanwhile, many residents in Grindavík express hopes that this will be the last eruption, allowing them to rebuild their community without further disruption.
