Iceland volcano erupts for fourth time since December
A volcanic fissure on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula erupted on Saturday, marking the fourth eruption in the area since December 2023. This renewed activity prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency and evacuate the nearby town of Grindavik.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) confirmed the eruption's location between Stora Skogfell and Hagafell mountains. Live footage captured streams of molten lava and plumes of smoke rising from the fissure, estimated to be roughly 2.9 kilometers long.
Fissure Threatens Grindavik
According to the IMO, the lava flow appears to be heading south, posing a potential threat to the protective dikes built around Grindavik. This fishing village previously endured evacuations in November 2023 due to seismic activity and subsequent eruptions.
While residents were allowed to return home in February 2024, only a small portion did so. Now, with this latest eruption, Grindavik has been evacuated once again, along with the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
Fears for Svartsengi Power Plant
The ongoing volcanic activity has raised concerns for the Svartsengi power plant, a critical source of electricity and water for the Reykjanes Peninsula. The plant was previously evacuated and is currently operating remotely, with protective measures already in place.
Iceland's Active Volcanic Zone
Iceland, known for its high volcanic activity, sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a geologically active zone. The Reykjanes Peninsula, however, hadn't witnessed an eruption in eight centuries before March 2021. Since then, a series of eruptions in 2022 and 2023 suggested a potential shift towards a more active seismic period in the region.