Iceland’s Reykjanes Volcano Erupts Again, Evacuations Underway

A volcano on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula erupted late Wednesday night, marking the region’s seventh volcanic event within a year. Lava burst from a fissure near Grindavík, a small fishing town, and quickly flowed toward the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s iconic geothermal spa that attracts nearly a million visitors annually. Tourists at the spa were promptly evacuated as lava advanced, with some venturing dangerously close to capture photos and videos. Response crews swiftly ushered them to safety before the molten stream covered parts of the spa’s parking area and a pipeline that supplies hot water to the Blue Lagoon and the peninsula.

The eruption, which began just before midnight local time, created a vivid spectacle as fiery magma spread across the landscape. Aerial footage released by Iceland’s national broadcaster, RÚV, captured the dramatic scene, showing vast stretches of glowing lava and thick smoke rising into the night sky. While the eruption’s intensity has since declined, seismic monitors recorded magma spreading across approximately 7 square kilometers, equivalent to nearly 4.5 square miles. The fissure from which the eruption originated had also shortened by Thursday, according to the National Police Commissioner’s special forces unit.

Around 50 homes in Grindavík were evacuated on Wednesday, with local residents relocating to safer areas. The town, located roughly 30 miles south of Iceland’s capital Reykjavík, remains on high alert. Fortunately, no disruptions have been reported in the capital. The Icelandic Meteorological Office confirmed that the pipeline supplying geothermal hot water, known as the Njarðvík pipeline, remained operational despite being partially covered by magma. However, officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

The eruption was triggered by recent earthquakes in the area, which caused the ground to split and allowed magma to escape. Iceland’s unique position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where two tectonic plates meet, makes it a hotspot for seismic and volcanic activity. The Reykjanes peninsula, which had been dormant for nearly 800 years, has experienced a series of eruptions since March 2021, starting with the Mount Fagradalsfjall event. This resurgence has prompted seismologists to closely monitor the reactivation of the fault line beneath the region.

The latest eruption is considered less severe than previous incidents, including one in August 2024 that caused multiple fissures and a 4.1-magnitude earthquake. During that time, most of Grindavík’s 4,000 residents had already evacuated due to heightened volcanic activity beginning the prior November. Although some returned to the area part-time, few felt safe staying overnight. Those who had returned were successfully evacuated during Wednesday’s eruption.

While the current eruption poses less danger than earlier events, it underscores the ongoing volcanic activity reshaping the Reykjanes peninsula. The region has experienced multiple eruptions over the summer, part of a cycle of renewed seismic and volcanic energy that has displaced residents and drawn global attention. With Iceland’s unique geology and its history of dramatic eruptions, the situation remains a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for vigilance in such a dynamic landscape.