Blue Lagoon in Iceland evacuated due to volcanic eruption spewing lava over 160 feet

A massive volcanic eruption at the Sundhnúkur crater in Iceland on Wednesday spewed lava over 160 feet into the air, officials announced.

The crater is located on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland, where authorities evacuated the seaside town of Grindavík, including the country’s biggest tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

This marks the fifth and most powerful eruption in the region since December and the eighth since the volcanic system became active three years ago in March 2021 after not experiencing an eruption for 800 years.

Most of the 4,000 residents of Grindavik were permanently evacuated in November 2023 due to ongoing volcanic activity.

Grindavík sits roughly 30 miles south of Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik.

The eruption began at approximately 12:46 p.m. local time on Wednesday, which prompted a fairly intense flow of lava surrounding Hagafell volcano to the east and then south towards the Melhólsnáma mine, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO).

The lava eruptions reached 164 feet high and the length of the fissure was around 2 miles, the agency said.

The extrusion rate, or the rate of the lava flow, is roughly estimated at 1,500-2,000 cubic meters per second, according to the IMO

The agency warned that lava flowing from the southernmost opening of the fissure is now less than a kilometer away from the lava barriers north of Grindavík.

“The first assessment of scientists is that the beginning of this eruption is more powerful than in previous eruptions,” the office said in a statement.

Officials warned that gas pollution would be seen towards the southeast of the region and later on Wednesday, could travel east to Selvogur and Ölfus, Icland.

By Thursday, gas pollution is expected to be carried to the northeast and could be felt in the capital area of Reykjavik.

The eruption Wednesday comes nearly three weeks after the end of a previous eruption that started on March 16 in Hagafell and Stora-Skogfell on the same Reykjanes peninsula and flowed for eight weeks.

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland, a popular tourist destination known for its geothermal spa waters, was recently evacuated due to a volcanic eruption spewing lava over 160 feet into the air. The eruption, which occurred near the town of Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula, sent plumes of ash and smoke billowing into the sky, prompting authorities to take swift action to ensure the safety of visitors and residents in the area.

The Blue Lagoon, a natural hot spring surrounded by lava fields, is one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year who come to soak in its mineral-rich waters and enjoy the stunning scenery. However, the recent volcanic activity has forced the temporary closure of the site, with officials urging people to stay away until the situation is under control.

The eruption, which began on Friday evening, has caused widespread disruption in the area, with roads closed and flights diverted due to the ash cloud. Local residents have been advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed to protect against the potentially harmful effects of the volcanic ash.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safety of everyone in the area. The Icelandic Meteorological Office has issued a red alert for aviation in the region, warning of potential disruptions to air travel due to the ash cloud.

While volcanic eruptions are not uncommon in Iceland, this latest event has caught many by surprise due to its proximity to popular tourist sites like the Blue Lagoon. The eruption serves as a reminder of the powerful forces of nature at work in this geologically active region, and the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of such events.

As efforts continue to contain the eruption and ensure the safety of those in the area, visitors are advised to check for updates from local authorities and follow any instructions or warnings issued. The Blue Lagoon, with its unique blend of natural beauty and geothermal wonders, will no doubt be a top priority for restoration once the situation has been brought under control. In the meantime, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all those affected by this dramatic display of nature’s power.