A volcano has erupted in southwest Iceland, marking the twelfth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021. The latest event sent streams of glowing lava across the rugged terrain and prompted precautionary evacuations — though no major disruptions have been reported.
Highlights:
- Volcano erupted from a fissure up to 1 km long in southwest Iceland
- The eruption is the 12th on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021
- Tourists and locals evacuated from Blue Lagoon spa and nearby areas
- Flights and infrastructure remain unaffected by the eruption
Main Story:
Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula has once again become the focus of global attention after a volcano erupted in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The Icelandic Meteorological Office confirmed that magma broke through a fissure estimated to be between 700 and 1,000 meters long.
The eruption produced plumes of smoke and rivers of molten lava but was described as relatively small in scale. Due to the nature of fissure eruptions, which release more lava than ash, air travel remains unaffected
As a safety measure, authorities evacuated visitors at the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a nearby campsite, and residents of Grindavík — a town that had already been mostly vacated following earlier volcanic threats. Emergency services remain on high alert, monitoring the flow of lava and potential gas emissions.
Despite the dramatic scenes, there have been no reported injuries or major damage to infrastructure.
This latest eruption adds to a growing pattern of volcanic activity in the region. Since a dormant period ended in 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has seen a surge in eruptions — now totaling 12 in just four years.
Geologists believe the area may have entered a new geological phase, with expectations of recurring eruptions potentially stretching for decades.
Icelandic authorities have been proactive in building lava barriers and improving early-warning systems in high-risk zones. While this eruption poses no immediate threat to vital infrastructure, experts continue to monitor the situation closely.
The earth may be quiet for centuries — until it decides to speak in fire.
