Volcano Erupts in Iceland

A volcanic eruption in south-west Iceland has prompted the evacuation of tourists and residents, posing a significant threat to the fishing town of Grindavik and the renowned Blue Lagoon spa. The eruption, which commenced in the morning, has created a spectacular yet dangerous display of lava, forming a fissure that has expanded to 1.2 kilometers in length.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that protective barriers around Grindavik have been compromised, with a new eruptive fissure opening within the town's safety perimeter. This development has heightened concerns about potential lava flows encroaching upon inhabited areas. Despite authorities urging evacuation, a small number of residents have chosen to remain, according to local media.

The eruption has been accompanied by multiple earthquakes throughout the day, further destabilizing the region. Asrun Kristinsdottir, a Grindavik resident and town council president, described the experience as different from previous incidents due to the 'constant' quakes during evacuation preparations.

Notably, this eruption is part of a series of volcanic activities that have occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021, marking the end of an 800-year dormant period. The current eruption's magma corridor extends approximately 11 kilometers, the longest observed since November 2023, indicating a potentially prolonged period of volcanic activity in the region.