Authorities in Iceland reported a volcanic eruption in the southwestern region of the country Tuesday. This occurred shortly after the precautionary evacuation of a nearby town and a well-known geothermal spa, a major draw for tourists.
Visual reports indicated intense flames and smoke emanating from a fissure that opened close to Grindavik, a town where approximately 40 residences were previously evacuated. According to RUV, the national broadcaster, Grindavik, situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, underwent a significant evacuation the previous year when volcanic activity resumed after an 800-year period of dormancy.
Live webcams captured images of molten rock erupting in the direction of the town. Evacuation sirens were activated in Grindavik, and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa was also cleared of visitors and staff.
Iceland’s Met Office released a statement noting, "The eruptive fissure extends approximately 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) and continues to spread southward." The office also confirmed reports of a ruptured hot water pipeline in northern Grindavík.
According to the Met Office, “This suggests considerable shifts within the town’s fault lines have taken place.”
The flow of magma started around 6:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT), accompanied by a strong sequence of earthquakes. This pattern is consistent with previous volcanic events, according to the Icelandic Met Office.
Iceland's location on a volcanic hotspot in the North Atlantic makes it prone to such events. In 2010, the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull caused substantial disruptions, releasing ash clouds that impacted transatlantic air travel for several months.