In brief
Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula has erupted, with officials urging residents to evacuate as the fissure expands and seismic activity continues.
The Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland is witnessing a volcanic eruption that began around 09:45 local time today, just north of the town of Grindavík. According to Iceland's Meteorological Office, the fissure created by the eruption widened to an impressive 700 meters (2,296 feet) in under an hour and is still expanding. The activity follows a series of earthquakes that shook the area earlier this morning.In preparation for the eruption, Grindavík and the well-known Blue Lagoon spa, a beloved tourist hotspot, were both evacuated. Local authorities have closed all roads in and out of Grindavík to ensure safety, although there have been no disruptions to flight services so far.By 11:00 local time, the fissure's length had increased southward, and officials warned any remaining residents in Grindavík to evacuate immediately. Some locals reportedly lingered despite evacuation orders, with only about 40 homes still occupied following previous volcanic events, especially after mass evacuations that began in November 2023.The latest findings indicate that the newly formed magma tunnel under the crater system now measures about 11 km (6.8 miles)—the longest since the volcanic activity resumed. Current wind patterns suggest that gas emissions from the eruption will drift northeast, potentially affecting nearby urban areas.The Reykjanes Peninsula experienced several eruptions since 2021, marking the first significant volcanic activity in 800 years that persisted for decades. Iceland houses a remarkable 33 active volcano systems, located along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where two of the Earth’s largest tectonic plates converge.
