New Volcanic Eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, Prompts Evacuations for Fifth Time Since December

May 29, 2024, 06:21 PM

A new volcanic eruption has commenced on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, marking the fifth eruption since December 2023. The eruption began on May 29, 2024, near the town of Grindavík, which has been severely affected by previous seismic events. Authorities have issued evacuation notices, including the evacuation of the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. The eruption has resulted in a fissure approximately 3.4 km long, with lava spewing up to 150 feet into the air and flowing at an estimated rate of 1,500-2,000 m³/s. The Icelandic Met Office has declared a state of emergency, and the flight color code has been changed to red. The eruption follows a series of about 150 earthquakes detected in the area, indicating significant volcanic activity. Winds are expected to carry poisonous gas pollution away from the capital, Reykjavik. The eruption occurred at the Sundhnúksgígaröður crater row, with lava fountains reaching 50 meters high.