On Saturday evening, a volcanic eruption near Grindavik, Iceland, led to immediate evacuations. The country’s Meteorological Office reported that the eruption emerged from a fissure about two miles long on the Reykjanes Peninsula, marking the fourth eruption in the area within three months, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Aerial footage captured the dramatic scene of lava pouring out and smoke billowing into the sky, as reported by Guardian News. In response to the eruption, law enforcement declared a state of emergency.
The Met Office had been warning for weeks that an eruption was likely due to magma accumulating underground. The eruption prompted the evacuation of hundreds from the Blue Lagoon thermal spa, a major tourist destination in Iceland, as reported by the national broadcaster RUV.
The spa announced on its website that it would be closed temporarily due to the volcanic activity, planning to provide further updates the following day.
Video footage revealed guests at the spa’s geothermal pool, seemingly unfazed until sirens sounded. Shortly after, the footage showed ominous red clouds in the distance, a scene reported by the Telegraph.
One tourist recounted being on the verge of dining at a restaurant when evacuation sirens sounded, prompting an immediate evacuation.
NASA explains a volcano as an opening on a planet or moon’s surface that allows the escape of material warmer than its surroundings, leading to eruptions. These eruptions can vary from explosive to gentle flows of material.
The recent eruption occurred close to Grindavik, home to nearly 4,000 residents. Images captured show the significant impact of the eruption, which is the fourth occurrence in the last three months in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula.
The town, situated near the capital Reykjavik, had previously evacuated residents before the initial eruption in December. Some residents had only just returned to their homes before needing to evacuate once again on Saturday.
Volcanic eruptions are familiar events for Iceland’s authorities, who are well-prepared for such incidents. Thankfully, there have been no reported fatalities from these recent eruptions.