Iceland Volcano Erupts After Weeks of Seismic Activity
A volcano in southwest Iceland has erupted, unleashing torrents of lava and billowing smoke across the region. The Icelandic Meteorological Office issued a warning on Monday, confirming the eruption had commenced north of Grindavik by Hagafell, only a few kilometers from the town.
The eruption followed a series of small earthquakes, with the ground cracking toward Grindavik, prompting concerns for the safety of the nearly 4,000 inhabitants.
The seismic activity, characterized by a “seismic swarm” of over 1,000 earthquakes in 24 hours, had led to the evacuation of Grindavik in November.
The eruption, commencing at approximately 22:17 GMT, caused lava to spew from fissures in the ground. The crack in the earth’s surface, measuring about 3.5 km (2.1 miles) in length, grew rapidly, and the magma movement indicated a potential southwestward progression, raising alarm among authorities. Lava gushed at a rate of 100 to 200 cubic meters (3,530 to 7,060 cubic feet) per second.
Icelandic seismologist Kristin Jonsdottir told RUV that this eruption surpassed previous occurrences in the area.
While Reykjavik’s international airport remained open, delays affected both arrivals and departures. Authorities urged the public to avoid the eruption site while emergency personnel assessed the situation. Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir expressed her concern for the residents of Grindavik and emphasized the importance of allowing emergency responders space to manage the crisis.
Despite recent declines in earthquake magnitudes, the eruption poses a renewed risk to Grindavik, where residents had been allowed to return to their homes only between 7 am and 9 pm each day. They are prohibited to stay overnight or to walk around town. The ongoing uncertainty regarding the evacuation rules has left many residents, grappling with housing shortages, anxious about their future.
The Reykjanes peninsula, a volcanic and seismic hot spot southwest of Reykjavik, has witnessed several eruptions in unpopulated areas in recent years. However, the current eruption’s proximity to Grindavik has heightened concerns.
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