Iceland volcano erupts ninth time since 2023

Reykjanes Peninsula Witnesses New Volcanic Fissure

May 20, 2024, Reykjavik — A fresh volcanic eruption erupted on Wednesday, adding to the series of nine events that have marked the Reykjanes Peninsula since the end of 2023.

Live Footage Highlights Lava Eruption

• Video streams captured lava erupting from a newly formed fissure at ground level.
• The Icelandic Met Office confirmed the activity began just before 04:00 GMT.

Scale of the Main Fissure

The aviation authority later reviewed that the primary fissure stretched approximately 2.4 kilometres (1.5 miles). A secondary, smaller fissure, roughly 500 metres in length, opened in the vicinity.

Public Evacuation and Safety Measures

• Residents were advised to remain indoors due to elevated gas concentrations.
• Broadcast RUV reported that the fishing village Grindavik and the iconic Blue Lagoon were evacuated.
• Police Commissioner Margret Kristin Palsdottir confirmed the evacuation of about 100 villagers proceeded without incident.
• Commissioner prevented some tourists from entering the impacted zone, noting the event’s appeal for curious visitors.

Expert Assessment

Geophysicist Benedikt Ofeigsson commented that the eruption, while smaller than earlier ones, was strategically located away from critical infrastructure.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

• The last eruption occurred in April; a risk assessment released Tuesday did not anticipate another until autumn.
• When the first volcanic event struck in late 2023, most of Grindavik’s 4,000 residents were evacuated.
• Since then, the majority of homes have been transferred to the state, prompting residents to relocate.
• Reykjanes volcanoes had remained dormant for eight centuries until March 2021, when seismic activity intensified.
• Volcanologists warn that the region has entered a new era of activity.

Impact on International Travel

RUV stated the newest eruption should not disrupt international flights. For comparison, a 2010 Icelandic eruption caused global travel disruptions as ash closures affected Europe’s airspace.

Geological Significance of Iceland

• Iceland hosts 33 active volcanic systems, the highest count in Europe.
• Positioned on the Mid‑Atlantic Ridge, a fault divides the Eurasian and North American plates, producing earthquakes and eruptions.