A volcanic eruption has occurred near Iceland’s capital, prompting the evacuation of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa. The eruption marks the 11th event since 2021 on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Eruption Details
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) confirmed the eruption started at 9.45am local time near Grindavík. The eruption followed an earthquake swarm detected around 6.30am on the Sundhnúkur crater row. By 10am, the orange-red fissure had spread southward and reached through defence walls north of Grindavík.
IMO reported the fissure continued growing and could potentially expand further south. Officials estimated the fissure to be approximately 1,200 metres long by 12.35pm local time. Lava approached buildings on the edge of Grindavík, raising concerns for safety.
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A powerful eruption rocked Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula Tuesday morning, triggering the evacuation of Grindavík and the sudden closure of the… pic.twitter.com/zQRQD6Gg0u
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) April 1, 2025
Evacuation Measures
Authorities completed the evacuation of Grindavík. Regional police reported a small number of residents refused to leave. The Blue Lagoon luxury spa also evacuated all visitors and staff before the eruption, following geological warnings.
Iceland’s director of civil protection, Runólfur Þórhallsson, urged remaining residents to evacuate. He noted that the eruption could be larger than recent ones due to a longer magma tunnel and accumulated magma.
Figure 1: Molten Lava coming out of a fissure on the outskirts of the village Grindavik
Previous Eruptions
The Reykjanes peninsula has experienced 11 eruptions since 2021. The most recent occurred in January 2024, releasing lava into Grindavík. The region has been largely uninhabited since November 2023 after fissures reached a depth of 20 metres, damaging much of the town.
Many residents and businesses left Grindavík after the state bought most of its buildings due to unsafe conditions. The town, with approximately 3,800 residents, remains mostly abandoned.
Seismic Activity
IMO stated the signals detected from this eruption were stronger than previous events. They reported “a considerable amount of magma is currently on the move.” Emergency responders confirmed ongoing seismic activity and visible signs of deformation within Grindavík.
A broken hot water pipeline in northern Grindavík indicated significant fault movements within the town. Officials are closely monitoring these developments to assess further risks.
Figure 2: Seismic activity over the dike intrusion since 4 AM this morning, April 1st.
Tourist Impact
Despite the eruption, Icelandic authorities reported no immediate threat to the population. Flights at Keflavík Airport continued operating as usual. The Icelandic tourist board confirmed the affected area remains completely closed until further notice.
Snorri Valsson, a spokesperson for the tourist board, noted gas pollution could form in isolated areas depending on wind direction. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Valsson stated, “The eruption is still developing and we will publish further information when gathered.”
Tourism Resilience
Iceland attracts thousands of tourists annually who explore its volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and geysers. The island sits at the junction of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, creating a landscape dominated by black lava fields and vibrant green moss.
Tourist numbers initially declined after the November 2023 eruption. The Icelandic tourism board partly attributed this decline to international reporting. However, statistics from 2023-24 indicate a 2% increase in foreign arrivals at Keflavík Airport, totalling 2,261,391 visitors.
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Hotel stays in November 2024 rose to 383,963, exceeding figures from the previous year. Tourism remains a vital part of Iceland’s economy, despite the ongoing volcanic activity.
Future Concerns
Experts predict ongoing eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula. These events are characterised by lava flows emerging from long cracks in the earth’s crust. Scientists warn the activity could continue for decades or centuries.
Although volcanic activity decreased later in the afternoon, seismic activity continued. Authorities maintain strict monitoring of the area to ensure public safety and mitigate risks.
Conclusion
The recent eruption highlights Iceland’s unique geological landscape and ongoing volcanic activity. Emergency services and geologists remain vigilant, with public safety as the top priority. Authorities continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
