A volcanic eruption near Iceland’s Blue Lagoon prompted evacuations early July 16
Officials evacuated tourists from Grindavík and surrounding areas; over 100 locals remained
This marks the ninth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is prone to seismic activity, since the end of 2023
The popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland has been evacuated due to a volcanic eruption.
According to news outlet RÚV, which is tracking the incident live, the activity occurred on Wednesday, July 16, around 4 a.m., after a seismic swarm struck the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Visitors to the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous tourist destinations, and campgrounds in the local fishing village, Grindavík, were instructed to evacuate. However, the lava flowed towards an empty land area that spreads about 2,300 to 3,300 feet, avoiding any infrastructure.
“Of course, the situation can always change, but so far the eruption has extended primarily northward — we’re talking about a few hundred meters,” said Kristín Jónsdóttir, Head of the Volcano Monitoring, Earthquakes and Ground Deformation Department, to RÚV. “We haven’t observed any major changes in the lava flow, so I’d be really surprised if any significant changes occurred.”
Acting Suðurnes Police Commissioner Margrét Kristín Pálsdóttir reported that over 100 people stayed in Grindavík, though officials worked to keep tourists from the most vulnerable areas.
“We are constantly analyzing new information and will make a decision based on it. Unfortunately, limited weather conditions complicate matters,” stated Pálsdóttir to the outlet. “Of course, people have different opinions on whether evacuation is necessary, but it is a decision we make and for which we take responsibility.” Pálsdóttir has also not decided on when the village will open up again, following the eruption.
PEOPLE reached out to local authorities and Blue Lagoon for comment and has not yet received a response.
According to RÚV, this is the ninth volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula since the end of 2023. Iceland is home to 33 active volcanic systems, more than any other European country, and sits on top of the place where two tectonic plates meet, making the island nation especially vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The most disruptive eruption occurred in 2010 from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, reported by CNN, which created large clouds of ash and disrupted transatlantic air travel for months.
