Volcanic Eruption in Southwestern Iceland
A volcano in the rugged landscapes of southwestern Iceland erupted on Tuesday, leading to the immediate closure of the renowned Blue Lagoon tourist destination and endangering the nearby town of Grindavik. Situated approximately 25 miles southwest of the capital city, Reykjavik, Grindavik has been on high alert due to the volcanic activity.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported that the current magma intrusion extends about seven miles, marking it as the longest recorded since November 2023. During that time, authorities had to order the evacuation of Grindavik’s approximately 4,000 residents due to rising volcanic threats.
The eruption commenced at 9:45 a.m., and within a mere 30 minutes, a fissure approximately half a mile long had formed in the Earth’s surface, as documented by the meteorological office. By 11 a.m., the situation escalated as the first fissure expanded, and a second fissure emerged just a few hundred yards from protective barriers erected near Grindavik.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.
