• Source:JND
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A volcano in southwestern Iceland, dormant for over eight centuries, has erupted once again, marking its seventh eruption since December. The sudden volcanic activity has sent molten lava cascading dangerously close to the world-renowned Blue Lagoon spa, a popular tourist destination. As the eruption unfolded, local authorities swiftly evacuated tourists from the spa to ensure their safety. This dramatic turn of events has captured global attention, highlighting the unpredictable and powerful nature of volcanic activity in Iceland, a region already known for its seismic and geothermal activity. 

The volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula began unexpectedly at 11:14 pm local time (4:44 am IST) on Wednesday, creating a fissure approximately three kilometres long. The eruption's intensity is estimated to be slightly less than the one in August, according to Iceland's meteorological office.

While the eruption does not threaten air travel, authorities have warned of gas emissions affecting parts of the Reykjanes Peninsula, including the town of Grindavík, which was evacuated a year ago. Around 50 houses were evacuated, along with guests at the Blue Lagoon spa. By Thursday afternoon, lava had spread across the spa's parking lot and engulfed a service building.

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Lava Eruption In Iceland Disrupts Blue Lagoon

Iceland, located above a volcanic hot spot, experiences an eruption every four to five years on average. Tourists were evacuated from the Blue Lagoon as the eruption unfolded. Some visitors ventured dangerously close to the magma to capture footage, but response crews quickly escorted them to safety. The lava spread across the parking lot and covered a critical pipeline supplying hot water from the Svartsengi geothermal power station to the spa and surrounding areas.

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Earthquakes in the region caused the ground to split, triggering the volcanic eruption. Iceland, located atop a rift between two tectonic plates, is particularly vulnerable to both earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which have caused significant disruptions and displaced residents in recent years.