Ninth eruption since 2023 forces evacuation in Iceland

A volcano has erupted again on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, marking the ninth eruption in the region since late 2023, The Guardian reported.

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), the eruption began around 4am local time. Live footage showed lava spewing from a ground fissure. The main fissure measured 2.4 km, with a second 500-meter-long fissure opening nearby.

Residents were told to stay indoors due to dangerously high levels of toxic gas. The fishing village of Grindavík and the famous Blue Lagoon spa were evacuated.

Police commissioner Margrét Kristín Pálsdóttir said about 100 people were safely evacuated. Police also prevented tourists from entering the area.

Geophysicist Benedikt Ófeigsson stated the eruption appeared smaller than previous ones and posed no threat to infrastructure.

The last eruption in the area was in April. A risk assessment just one day earlier had not expected further activity until autumn.

Reykjanes volcanoes were dormant for 800 years before seismic activity resumed in 2021. Experts believe the area has entered a new volcanic era.

RUV reported this eruption is not expected to affect international air travel. This is a relief after the 2010 eruption caused global flight disruptions.

Iceland has 33 active volcanic systems — the highest number in Europe. The island sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!