In a remarkable display of natural force, a volcano located in southwestern Iceland erupted once again, marking its third eruption since December. The eruption, characterized by impressive jets of lava shooting up to 50 meters high, prompted the evacuation of the renowned Blue Lagoon spa, a popular tourist attraction.
This recent eruption is part of a series of volcanic activities occurring on the Reykjanes peninsula, with a total of six eruptions recorded since 2021. The eruption commenced around 6:00 am local time along a three-kilometer fissure northeast of Mount Sundhnukur, according to reports from the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
Despite the visually stunning display of flowing lava, authorities reassured the safety of nearby communities, stating that there was no immediate threat to Grindavík, a coastal town that had been evacuated prior to a previous eruption in December.
The eruption followed a series of minor earthquakes in the region, indicating a buildup of volcanic activity. Captivating video footage captured the breathtaking scene of lava fountains soaring into the sky, accompanied by a towering plume of vapor.
While this marks the third eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula since December, there have been no reports of disruptions to Keflavik, Iceland’s primary airport. Iceland, renowned for its volcanic terrain, typically experiences eruptions every four to five years on average.
Grindavík, situated approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik, has witnessed multiple eruptions since November, with ongoing efforts to protect buildings and infrastructure from the lava flows.
The recent volcanic activity serves as a vivid reminder of the dynamic and unpredictable nature of Iceland’s geological landscape, eliciting both admiration and concern from locals and visitors alike.