Iceland Volcano Eruption Forces Evacuation Of Town And Iconic Geothermal Spa

A volcanic eruption in southwestern Iceland has once again forced the evacuation of local residents and the internationally known Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, the national broadcaster RUV reported. The eruption began around 4:00 a.m. Wednesday following an intense seismic swarm on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of the capital Reykjavik, Iceland’s Met Office said.

Some 100 people were evacuated from the town of Grindavik shortly after the seismic activity began. Tourists at a campsite and guests at the Blue Lagoon were forced to quickly pack their bags, RUV reported. Margrét Kristín Pálsdóttir, a local police commissioner, said the evacuation went smoothly and lasted about 90 minutes. “Of course, people have different opinions on whether the evacuation is necessary, but it is a decision we make and take responsibility for,” she said.

Lava from the eruption is flowing southeast from a fissure in the barren landscape that is 700 to 1000 meters (2296 to 3280 feet) wide, but the molten rock isn’t threatening any infrastructure, the Met Office said. Grindavik has been repeatedly affected by the activity since November 2023, when a volcano in the area came to life after lying dormant for some 800 years.