//Icelandic Town and Blue Lagoon Spa Evacuated Amidst Volcanic Eruption//

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//Icelandic Town and Blue Lagoon Spa Evacuated Amidst Volcanic Eruption//

An ‘earthquake swarm’ was observed near Grindavík before an eruption on Tuesday morning. This photo shows a previous eruption in November.

The Icelandic town of Grindavík and the world-famous Blue Lagoon spa have been evacuated after yet another powerful volcanic eruption shook the region. This marks the 11th eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021, further demonstrating the increasing geological instability in the area. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that an "earthquake swarm" began at approximately 6:30 AM local time, centered around the Sundhnúkur crater row. By 9:45 AM, the ground split open, spewing molten lava and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky, signaling the beginning of a significant eruption. By midday, the fissure had expanded to an alarming 1,200 meters in length, breaching protective barriers designed to safeguard Grindavík from such disasters.

The orange-red fissure has been seen expelling lava and smoke.

Authorities issued urgent warnings to remaining residents, emphasizing that this eruption could surpass previous ones in magnitude due to the larger volume of magma accumulating beneath the surface. Despite mandatory evacuation orders, a handful of residents chose to remain in their homes, prompting concerns about their safety as seismic activity continued to rattle the region. The Blue Lagoon, a major attraction drawing millions of tourists annually, also implemented emergency evacuation procedures, ensuring the safety of guests and staff.

Most residents have already left Grindavík.

Dramatic footage from the eruption zone captured fiery lava streams consuming sections of a nearby highway, severing crucial transportation links. Reports also emerged of significant structural damage, including a broken hot water pipeline in northern Grindavík. This indicated strong fault movements within the town, further complicating rescue and relief efforts. While initial assessments suggested a decrease in volcanic activity later in the afternoon, experts warned that seismic disturbances were still ongoing, making the situation highly unpredictable.

Grindavík, a small fishing town with a population of approximately 3,800 before the November 2023 eruption, has never fully recovered from previous disasters. That particular eruption had torn open deep fissures in the ground, making large portions of the town uninhabitable. Following government intervention, most residents were relocated to other parts of Iceland, and the state purchased many of the damaged buildings. Despite some businesses attempting to return, the recurring volcanic threats have made resettlement a daunting challenge.

As regional police confirmed the completion of evacuations, the Icelandic Civil Protection Department reinforced warnings to those resisting evacuation. Director Runólfur Þórhallsson urged them to leave immediately, stressing that the length and intensity of the magma tunnel beneath the town could lead to an eruption much larger than previous ones.

Meanwhile, the IMO highlighted that the ongoing eruption was significantly stronger than recent ones along the Sundhnúkur crater row. Observers noted continuous tremors, and visible signs of land deformation suggested further shifts in the Earth's crust. Emergency responders working within Grindavík reported feeling strong tremors, reinforcing fears that additional fault movements could occur at any moment.

Despite the severity of the eruption, Icelandic authorities reassured the public that there was "no immediate threat to the population." Flights at Keflavík International Airport continued to operate without disruption, and officials closely monitored gas pollution levels to mitigate potential health risks. The Icelandic tourist board emphasized that while the affected area remains off-limits, the rest of the country remains open for visitors. Although tourism initially declined following the November 2023 eruption, recent data indicates a slight rebound. According to Statistics Iceland, foreign arrivals at Keflavík Airport increased by 2% year-over-year, reaching over 2.26 million travelers. Additionally, hotel stays in November 2024 saw a 383,963 overnight occupancy, reflecting a steady recovery in Iceland's tourism sector.

As emergency crews continue monitoring the evolving situation, scientists and geologists work tirelessly to understand the long-term implications of these recurring eruptions. With each new geological event, concerns grow about the potential for an even larger, more destructive eruption in the near future. For now, the priority remains ensuring the safety of those affected and mitigating the immediate threats posed by Iceland's volatile landscape.