Iceland is facing a new volcanic eruption that has caused massive evacuations in the fishing village of Grindavik and threatens to spread towards inhabited areas and popular attractions like the Blue Lagoon.
The volcano, located in the southwest of the country, started spewing lava in a spectacular visual display since morning, creating a fissure that has expanded to 1.2 kilometers long.
Evacuations and Current Situation
Most of the 4,000 inhabitants of Grindavik have left the village, although some have chosen to stay despite the risks.
A hot water pipeline burst in the northern part of Grindavik due to significant cracks in the town. The protective barriers surrounding the area have been broken, increasing the risk of the lava flows reaching inhabited areas.
Volcanic activity in Grindavik had already caused massive evacuations in 2023, and the volcano has experienced multiple eruptions since then.
Volcanic Activity and Risks
The length of the magma beneath the series of craters reached 11 kilometers, the largest recorded since November 2023. The magma corridor extends about 3 kilometers further northeast than in previous eruptions.
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), the pollution is heading northeast, impacting areas near the capital, depending on the current winds.
Geological History and Context of Volcanic Activity in Iceland
Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the boundary between two major tectonic plates.
The Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced multiple eruptions since 2021, with this being the first significant volcanic activity in the region in 800 years.
Historically, eruptions have continued for decades, highlighting the potential for prolonged activity in the area.
Impact on the Community
Evacuation is an emotionally challenging process for residents. Thormar Omarrson, who ran a pizzeria in Grindavik, described the pain of leaving his community, which has been his home for over 30 years.
While some refuse to evacuate, others express their concern about the long-term impacts of living near an active volcano.
Cover Photo: AP
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