Iceland’s second volcanic eruption of the year has begun
On Thursday, a volcano erupted for the second time this year in southwestern Iceland.
This was reported by the Icelandic broadcaster RUV.
The eruption occurs just three weeks after the last eruption.
A significant increase in seismic activity near Fagradalsfjalla on the Reykjanes Peninsula occurred at 5:20 am, and magma came to the surface around 6 am.
The eruption occurs in the area where the last eruption began, about a kilometer from the city of Grindavik. Now there is a risk of volcanic cracks opening up, as more magma is entering the tunnel than leaving.
It is noted that such eruptions begin with great force, but then quickly subside.
All active zones of the popular Blue Lagoon were evacuated at night and in the morning due to the earthquake that occurred at night in the Sundhnoeks crater series and the subsequent eruption. Blue Lagoon said in a statement that the evacuation was successful and guests have already arrived at other hotels or are on their way to them. All Blue Lagoon locations in Svartsenga will be closed today.
This is the sixth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021.
As a reminder, the eruption north of Grindavik resumed on January 14, less than a month after the December eruption in the area ended. Lava began flowing out of a new fissure that opened close to the city and destroyed three residential buildings, but pre-constructed protective berms prevented more damage.
During the eruption on December 18-22, the city remained unharmed, although there were fears that the lava would initially go in the direction of Grindavik.
