Yet another volcano in southwestern Iceland has erupted just weeks after the Fagradalsfjall volcano blew.
According to footage from Iceland’s public broadcaster, RÚV, lava fountains were spotted soaring up into the air just shy of 8am local time.
The country’s national weather service had earlier detected 200 earthquakes near Grindavik, a town about 32 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik.
Scientists believe the eruption is taking place south-southeast of Hagafell by Sundhnúksgígar crater row, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said in an 8.47am local time update.
‘Judging by the pictures, lava is now flowing towards Grindavík,’ the agency said.
‘Based on measurements from the Coast Guard’s helicopter, the perimeter is now about 450 metres from the northernmost houses in the town.’
This is the fifth volcanic eruption since 2021 on the Reykjanes peninsula, the country’s most populated region where its many volcanoes had once been dormant for some 800 years.
The Svartsengi volcanic system blew on December 18, where a fissure cracked up and erupted, creating a miles-long river of lava that coursed through the crater row.
Around 4,000 people in Grindavik had to be evacuated in the weeks leading up to the burst, and the fishing village was spared after the lava raced in a different direction.
Residents have been ordered once again to evacuate by the country’s civil defence service, with the region’s roads closed and hiking banned.
‘Scientists are on their way to the site with a Coast Guard helicopter to assess the situation,’ the service, called Almannavarnir, said today.
‘People are asked to use caution and avoid being in this area.’
Guðni Jóhannesson, the president of Iceland, thanked the police for safely evacuating Grindavik, with residents told to go by text.
‘We are still reminded of the power of the forces of nature,’ he said on Facebook,’and still we hope for the best as we do everything in our power to ensure people’s lives.’
Suðurnes police, the peninsula that covers the area of the volcanic blast, have warned against people going too close to the fissure.
‘It’s extremely cold outside and the walk is long and the soil is unstable when it comes to cracks, etc,’ the police said, adding that emergency personnel would struggle to get to the scene.
‘The area is dangerous both in terms of cracks, gas and more.’
But for those in Iceland eager to safely catch a glimpse of the glowing lava from their cars, the police have a tip.
Writing on Facebook, Suðurnes police said: ‘Please do not park your vehicles on the corner on Reykjanesbraut.
‘We suggest that it’s good to go to the Patterson area to watch the eruption.’
The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal spas, had already announced earlier amid the ‘increased seismic activity’ that the spa is shut today.
The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says travellers should check the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the country’s tourism website or the civil defence for the latest updates.
‘A volcanic eruption started on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland on 14 January, north of the town of Grindavik,’ the department’s travel advice page on Iceland says.
‘All roads to Grindavík are closed and you should stay away from the area. Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal but you should check for latest updates. Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland have not been impacted.
‘You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities´ advice.’
According to Isavia, which operates Icelandic airports, flights to and from Keflavik are generally running without a hitch at the moment.
Like the Foreign Office, the company’s current advice is to check with Iceland’s weather service or civil defence agency for ‘principal information’.
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