A dramatic volcanic eruption has rocked Iceland, sending flames and thick smoke into the sky and prompting evacuations near a popular tourist hotspot.
The eruption—marking the eighth since late 2023—occurred at the Sundhnúkur Crater Row, just north of the fishing village of Grindavik and the world-famous Blue Lagoon spa, south of the capital, Reykjavik. It was first reported before 9:45 am local time on Tuesday, following a series of earthquakes in the area.
Spectacular footage captures lava spewing from a long fissure in the ground, with the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) initially estimating the crack at 700 metres before later revising its length to around 1200 metres.
By 11 am local time, authorities confirmed that a new fissure had opened within protective barriers north of Grindavik, edging closer to the town itself. The IMO had warned earlier in the day that an eruption was imminent after detecting an "earthquake swarm" in the morning.
“The swarm is located between Sýlingarfell and Stóra-Skógfell, in a similar area to previous eruptions,” the agency noted.
Evacuations Amid Growing Concerns
Authorities swiftly evacuated Grindavik, though eight residents chose to stay behind.
“We reiterate our instructions—it was a request for people to leave the danger zone. However, some individuals have decided to remain,” police commissioner Úlfar Ludviksson told Iceland’s national broadcaster, RUV.
While officials did not enforce evacuations, those staying behind were familiar with escape routes. Rikke Pedersen from the Nordic Volcanological Centre warned the BBC that the town was at risk of lava flows entering inhabited areas.
Iceland’s iconic Blue Lagoon spa also announced its closure for the day, pending further assessments.
A Region of Intensifying Volcanic Activity
This latest eruption follows another in November, which was the seventh in just a year. Most of Grindavik’s 4000 residents were evacuated in late 2023, just before the first eruption in this ongoing sequence. Since then, nearly all homes have been sold to the government, with most former residents moving away.
Volcanologists have declared that the region has entered a new era of heightened volcanic activity. Before 2021, the last eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula occurred over 800 years ago. However, since March 2021, seismic activity has surged, bringing frequent eruptions.
Iceland is home to 33 active volcanic systems—more than any other country in Europe. The island sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a massive fault line where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, making it a hotbed for earthquakes and eruptions.
For Australians travelling to Iceland, it’s a reminder of the island’s raw natural power. Anyone planning to visit should monitor official travel advisories and local updates on volcanic activity.
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