Iceland volcano erupts on Reykjanes peninsula

A volcano has erupted on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula following weeks of heightened earthquake activity. The town of Grindavik, with around 4,000 residents, was evacuated, and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa was closed. The eruption, occurring north of Grindavik at 22:17 local time, followed an earthquake swarm.

Social media posts depicted lava emerging just an hour after seismic events were detected. A coastguard helicopter was dispatched to assess the eruption’s location and size. The Icelandic Met Office reported the eruption to be about 4km northeast of Grindavik, with lava flowing at an unprecedented rate. The crack in the volcano spanned 3.5km. Reykjavik, approximately 42km northeast, witnessed the eruption’s glow. Authorities urged people to avoid the area.

Iceland’s Prime Minister and President expressed concern for the local community’s safety and pledged efforts to safeguard lives and structures. The eruption is reminiscent of the Eyjafjallajokull eruption in April 2010, which disrupted European airspace and incurred substantial economic losses.

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