On Tuesday, a volcanic eruption began south of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, leading to the evacuation of local residents and tourists. According to Reuters, this region has experienced 11 eruptions since 2021, as geological systems reactivated after an 800-year dormancy.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office officially confirmed the eruption, warning the public of potential risks. Several hours before the lava outburst, emergency services evacuated people from the popular Blue Lagoon thermal resort and the fishing town of Grindavik. Scientists had previously predicted the inevitability of the eruption.
At present, Reykjavik remains outside the immediate danger zone, and no significant volcanic ash emissions have been recorded in the atmosphere, allowing air traffic to continue operating normally.
Experts note that fissure eruptions, where lava emerges through long cracks in the Earth’s crust rather than a single volcanic vent, could persist for decades or even centuries.
In January 2024, an eruption in the same area caused damage to homes and roads in Grindavik, leading to a mass evacuation. Last year, a lava flow even reached the parking lot at the entrance to the Blue Lagoon.
