Reykjavik, Iceland: A recent volcanic event occurred on Saturday in Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, marking the fourth eruption in the area since December, according to authorities.
The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) released a statement indicating that a volcanic eruption commenced between Stora Skogfell and Hagafell on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Live video footage displayed streams of lava and thick smoke emanating from the site.
Following the eruption, the Iceland Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management dispatched a helicopter to pinpoint the exact location of the new fissure.
Prior to the eruption, the IMO had issued a statement warning of heightened seismic activity, indicating an increased likelihood of volcanic activity.
Reports from local media suggested that the evacuation of Grindavik, a nearby fishing town, had commenced, with residents receiving urgent text notifications to vacate the area swiftly.
Grindavik, housing approximately 4,000 residents, had recently been permitted to return to their homes on February 19 after a previous evacuation in November due to seismic events. However, only a portion of the population chose to return. In the previous evacuation, numerous tremors caused structural damage and extensive cracks in roads.
Subsequent to these events, a volcanic fissure emerged on December 18, narrowly avoiding the village. However, in January, another fissure formed at the edge of the town, leading to the destruction of three homes as lava flowed into the streets. A third eruption occurred near the village on February 8.
Iceland is renowned for its volcanic activity, housing 33 active volcano systems, the highest concentration in Europe. The country sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a geological feature separating the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Remarkably, prior to March 2021, the Reykjanes peninsula had not witnessed a volcanic eruption for eight centuries. However, subsequent eruptions occurred in August 2022, and in July and December 2023, prompting experts to suggest the commencement of a new era of seismic activity in the region.
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