The eruption began at 3:56 a.m. local time, following seismic activity that prompted local authorities to evacuate the nearby fishing village of Grindavik, situated 25 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik, and the popular geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon. Officials are yet to confirm whether the spa was closed, as had been the case during an earlier eruption in April.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported the eruptive fissure extending about half a mile with lava flowing primarily southeast, thus avoiding populated areas. Fortunately, no damages or injuries have been recorded so far. Although southeasterly winds may carry gas clouds toward Iceland's main international airport, which lies about 20 miles from the eruption site, there were no flight disruptions reported as of 6:30 a.m. local time.
Historically, volcanic eruptions in Iceland occurred every three to four years, but the past four years have seen an unprecedented rise in activity from the Svartsengi volcanic system, which encompasses the Sundhnukur crater.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported the eruptive fissure extending about half a mile with lava flowing primarily southeast, thus avoiding populated areas. Fortunately, no damages or injuries have been recorded so far. Although southeasterly winds may carry gas clouds toward Iceland's main international airport, which lies about 20 miles from the eruption site, there were no flight disruptions reported as of 6:30 a.m. local time.
Historically, volcanic eruptions in Iceland occurred every three to four years, but the past four years have seen an unprecedented rise in activity from the Svartsengi volcanic system, which encompasses the Sundhnukur crater.
