Police in Iceland have declared a state of emergency following a new volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption, the fourth since December, began spewing lava from a new fissure, causing concern for nearby residents and authorities. The Icelandic Meteorological Office shared live images of the bright flow of magma and smoke from the volcano, prompting the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management to dispatch a helicopter for further assessment.
The eruption, located near a previous event on February 8, has led to the evacuation of the fishing town of Grindavik, with lava flowing south and dikes being installed as a protective measure. The size of the fissure has been estimated at 2.9 kilometers, with magma also flowing westward as it did in previous eruptions. Local media reported that the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and the town of Grindavik have been evacuated.
The Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced multiple volcanic eruptions in recent months, raising concerns for the Svartsengi power plant that supplies electricity and water to around 30,000 people in the area. The plant has been evacuated and is currently being operated remotely. With Iceland being home to 33 active volcanic systems, the country remains vigilant in monitoring and responding to volcanic activity.
The latest eruption has once again disrupted the lives of residents in Grindavik, who had previously been evacuated due to a volcanic eruption in November. The situation remains fluid, with authorities urging caution and closely monitoring the volcanic activity in the region.