New volcanic eruption begins in Iceland after increased seismic activity

Grindavik, Iceland – Scientists in Iceland are monitoring a new volcanic eruption, which began outside the city of Grindavik late Thursday evening, after a series of seismic events.

According to local authoritiesThe event began around 10pm local time, and during the first signs of the eruption, workers could be seen evacuating the immediate area north of Grindavik.

Images from the Icelandic Coast Guard showed a crack running from south to north, estimated to be about a mile long.

Local police have declared a state of emergency in the area surrounding the volcano, although much of the area has been a ghost town since late 2023.

For nearly a year, thousands of Grindavik residents have been evacuated due to the risk of seismic activity and lava flows around the Sundhanukur volcano.

Watch a volcano erupt outside the capital of Iceland

Of particular concern to authorities is the nearby geothermal power plant and popular tourist destination known as the Blue Lagoon, which was temporarily closed after Thursday’s incident.

“Due to a volcanic eruption that started at Sundhnúksgígar on August 22, we have taken the precautionary measure of temporarily evacuating and shutting down all our operating units,” Blue Lake staff stated“The Blue Lagoon will be closed tomorrow, Friday 23rd August, at which time the situation will be re-evaluated.”

Due to the limited expansion of the lava in the first hours after the eruption, the event was expected to remain within the defensive walls designed to protect structures around the Reykjanes Peninsula.

This eruption represents at least the sixth episode since the end of 2023 in which the fissure has released lava.

Earlier this year, a volcanic eruption damaged the area’s main pipeline, which delivers hot water to homes and businesses that are still inhabited.

Map showing the recent eruption

(Icelandic Meteorological Agency / FOX Weather)

Iceland resident describes ongoing earthquakes and moments of panicked evacuation

The Scandinavian island nation is no stranger to volcanic activity due to its location on the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

Iceland is home to about 130 volcanoes, many of which are considered inactive.