State of Emergency Declared in Iceland as Volcano Erupts for Fourth Time
Iceland has declared a state of emergency after a volcano erupted for the fourth time in three months. The eruption, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, opened a fissure almost 2 miles long between Stóra-Skógfell and Hagafell mountains, according to Iceland’s Meteorological Office.
Despite warnings from the Meteorological Office about the impending eruption due to magma accumulating underground, the volcanic activity intensified. Lava continues to flow from the fissure, extending to the west and the south, posing a threat to the main road on the southern coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The volcano erupted a few miles northeast of the coastal town Grindavik, resulting in the evacuation of hundreds of people. No flights have been reported to be disrupted by the eruption at Kaflavik, Iceland’s main airport, or at other regional airports.
While no deaths have been confirmed from the four eruptions, one worker has been declared missing after reportedly falling into a volcanic fissure, according to the Associated Press.
Additionally, the eruption led to the temporary closure of Iceland’s renowned Blue Lagoon thermal spa, a popular tourist destination. Despite the evacuation, all facilities at the Blue Lagoon remain in good condition, surrounded by protective barriers to safeguard vital infrastructure against potential lava flows.
The eruption site is a few kilometers northeast of Grindavik, a coastal town of 3,800 people about 30 miles southwest of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. Grindavik was previously evacuated in November when earthquakes from the Svartsengi volcanic system opened large cracks north of town.
Iceland, accustomed to volcanic activity due to its location above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, has seen regular eruptions throughout its history. However, the recent eruptions signal a reawakening of the Svartsengi volcanic system after almost 800 years of quiet, raising concerns about the future implications for the Reykjanes Peninsula.
While no confirmed deaths have been reported from the recent eruptions, the situation remains unpredictable, and authorities are closely monitoring the volcanic activity for any further developments.
