The Icelandic Meteorological Office is monitoring the latest eruption of the Sundhnúkur volcano. Since the beginning of the year, at least six similar episodes of fissures opening and releasing lava have been observed.
GRINDAVIK, Iceland – Icelandic scientists are monitoring a new volcanic eruption, which began outside the town of Grindavík on Thursday night following a series of seismic events.
According to local authorities, the event began around 10 p.m. local time, and at the first signs of the eruption, workers could be seen evacuating the immediate area north of Grindavík.
Images from the Icelandic Coast Guard showed the crack extending from south to north and was estimated to be nearly a mile long.
Local police have declared a state of emergency in the region around the volcano, although much of the area has resembled a ghost town since late 2023.
Almost a year ago, thousands of Grindavík residents were evacuated due to the dangers of seismic activity and lava flows around the Sundhnúkur volcano.
Images from the Icelandic Coast Guard showed the crack extending from south to north and was estimated to be nearly a mile long.
(Icelandic Coast Guard / FOX Weather)
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Authorities are particularly concerned about the nearby geothermal power plant and the popular tourist destination known as the Blue Lagoon, which was temporarily closed after Thursday’s episode.
“Due to a volcanic eruption that began in Sundhnúksgígar on August 22, we have taken the precautionary measure of evacuating and temporarily closing all our operational units,” Blue Lagoon staff said. “The Blue Lagoon will be closed tomorrow, Friday, August 23, when the situation will be reassessed.”
Due to the limited expansion of 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.
The eruption marked at least the sixth episode since late 2023 where a fissure has released lava.
Earlier this year, a blowout damaged the region’s main pipeline, which supplies hot water to still-occupied homes and businesses.
Map showing the last eruption
(Icelandic Meteorological Agency / FOX Weather)
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The Nordic 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 volcanic mountains, many of which are considered inactive.
