Iceland is facing another volcanic eruption—the 11th since 2021—as lava spews near the town of Grindavík, forcing evacuations and shutting down the famous Blue Lagoon. The eruption began early this morning, sending rivers of molten rock toward defensive barriers and filling the air with thick smoke.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that the eruption started at 6:30 AM near the Sundhnúkur crater row, a known volcanic hotspot. By 9:45 AM, fiery cracks opened just north of Grindavík, releasing fast-moving lava. Within minutes, smoke spread southward, reaching the town’s protective walls. Two major fissures formed—one stretching 1,200 meters (nearly 3/4 of a mile) and another dangerously close to Grindavík’s barriers. Videos show magma splattering against the town’s defenses, raising fears of a breach.
Authorities sounded evacuation alarms at 12:35 PM, urging residents to leave immediately. While most of Grindavík’s population had already moved after last year’s eruptions, some refused to go, despite warnings. Police confirmed they did their best to clear the area, but a few locals stayed behind. Runólfur Þórhallsson, Iceland’s civil protection director, warned that this eruption could be worse than previous ones due to the massive amount of magma moving underground. Earthquakes are still shaking the town, and the ground is visibly shifting, raising concerns about further cracks opening.
The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s top attractions, closed and evacuated visitors as a precaution. Officials assured travelers that flights at Keflavík Airport remain unaffected, but the eruption zone is off-limits. Snorri Valsson from Iceland’s tourist board stated, *“The area is completely closed until further notice. Gas pollution is possible depending on wind direction, but we’re monitoring it closely.”*
Scientists are tracking the lava flow and potential new fissures. The IMO warns that the eruption could intensify, especially if magma breaks through Grindavík’s defenses. Emergency teams remain on high alert as the situation develops. For now, travelers should avoid the eruption zone, but the rest of Iceland remains safe to visit. Updates will follow as authorities assess the danger.
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