The latest fissure opened near Sundhnuksgigar on the Reykjanes peninsula, marking the fifth eruption in the area since December. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that the fissure extends over 2.5 km (1.5 miles) and continues to grow.
A state of emergency has been declared, although air travel to and from Iceland is not expected to be disrupted.
Fannar Jónasson, the mayor of Grindavik, expressed concern to state broadcaster RUV about the significant volume of lava flowing towards the town, which surpasses the amounts seen in recent eruptions. As a precaution, energy provider HS Veitur has cut off power to Grindavik. Local media reported that three individuals have refused to evacuate the town. Officials issued a statement urging everyone in or near Grindavik to evacuate and move to a safe distance. Currently, all but one road in and out of the town are inaccessible.
Footage from the eruption site reveals a wall of molten rock shooting up to 50 meters high and massive plumes of ash darkening the sky. Natural history cinematographer Benjamin Hardman, who was near the volcano during the eruption, described the scene as “totally surreal” and noted the unusual circumstances on the Reykjanes peninsula.
The Svartsengi power plant, supplying electricity and water to thousands on the peninsula, has also been evacuated. Barriers have been erected around the plant, Grindavik, and the Blue Lagoon to protect them from lava flows resulting from the ongoing eruptions. Despite the volcanic activity, Keflavik International Airport reported normal operations and no expected disruptions.
Prior to Wednesday’s eruption, officials noted “intense earthquake activity.” Geophysicist Ari Trausti Gudmundsson stated that scientists had anticipated a new eruption for some time. Most of Grindavik’s 4,000 residents were permanently evacuated in November before the series of eruptions in December, January, February, and March. During the January eruption, lava flowed into the streets, engulfing three homes. Some residents have since returned to safer neighborhoods.
Iceland, situated over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge—the boundary between two major tectonic plates—has 33 active volcanic systems. The last period of volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula occurred 800 years ago and lasted for decades. This is the eighth eruption since 2021, leading scientists to believe that the area may be entering a new volcanic era that could continue for decades or even centuries.