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The Icelandic volcano has erupted once again, marking the seventh eruption in just a year. This latest eruption occurred on Wednesday night near the capital, Reykjavík, on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest of the country. The Icelandic Met Office reported that the fissure on the volcano is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) in length.
The eruption began just after 11 p.m. local time on Wednesday, with the Met Office providing updates indicating that the fissure seemed to have stopped expanding after three hours. Despite the eruption, air traffic to and from Iceland was operating normally the following day. This eruption was notably smaller than the previous one on August 22, which had a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) fissure.
Multiple buildings were evacuated, including two hotels and a geothermal power facility near the well-known Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon has had to close several times over the past year due to volcanic activity. Interestingly, this latest eruption was not a complete surprise, as it occurred in the same location as the previous one in August.
The eruption has prompted concerns for the safety of residents in the area. Snorri Valsson, a spokesperson for the Icelandic Tourist Board, reassured the public that the municipality of Grindavík is not at risk from the volcanic flow. Those who were evacuated include individuals from the Svartsengi Power Plant, the hotels at the Blue Lagoon, and the 60 inhabitants of the town. Fortunately, the Blue Lagoon was already empty at the time of the eruption, as it was after closing hours.
This recent eruption adds to the total of ten that have occurred on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula since January of last year. Iceland is known for being one of the most active volcanic areas in the world with a population of around 400,000. The country sits on the constantly active geological boundary between Europe and North America. Last year alone, Iceland experienced over 1,000 earthquakes in a single 24-hour period.
The imagery of magma flowing from the Sundhnúkur volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula paints a vivid picture of the volcanic activity in the region. The adjacent fishing hamlet and visitors at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa were quickly ordered to evacuate due to the eruption. Despite the frequency of eruptions in the area, Icelandic authorities are well-equipped to handle these natural occurrences and ensure the safety of the population.
As the volcanic activity in Iceland continues to capture global attention, it highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the country’s geology. The people of Iceland are resilient and accustomed to living in close proximity to active volcanic zones. While eruptions may disrupt daily life, the community is well-prepared to respond to these natural events and minimize the impact on residents and visitors alike.
