Iceland volcano eruption: Lava spews in 12th blast since 2021 near Reykjanes
Southwest Iceland has once again been rocked by volcanic activity, as a dramatic volcano eruption lit up the sky on Wednesday with thick smoke and vibrant lava flows — marking the twelfth eruption in the region since 2021.
Live footage showed molten rivers of yellow and orange lava slicing through the rugged Icelandic terrain. The eruption cracked open a massive fissure on the Reykjanes peninsula, stretching between 700 and 1,000 metres, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
“(It does) not threaten any infrastructure at this time,”
“Based on GPS measurements and deformation signals, it is likely that this was a relatively small eruption.”
That’s some relief — for now. But residents and authorities are remaining alert. The Reykjanes peninsula, just a short drive from the capital Reykjavik, has become a hotspot for geological unrest in recent years. The activity, dormant for centuries, reawakened in 2021 and hasn’t quieted since.
This time, the eruption gave little warning. No major seismic tremors were reported in advance. Just a sudden, fiery breach through the Earth’s crust.
The nearby Blue Lagoon — Iceland’s famed geothermal spa resort — was evacuated swiftly, along with the town of Grindavik. Police took action as a precaution, Icelandic broadcaster RUV reported.
Grindavik, once home to nearly 4,000 people, has largely been abandoned since last year due to persistent threats of lava and frequent quakes. It remains a ghost town, its future uncertain.
Despite the dramatic display, Reykjavik and its international airport at Keflavik remain untouched. Flight operations continue as normal, with no impact on air traffic.
“The Reykjanes eruptions have not yet posed a threat to Reykjavik, nor ejected large volumes of ash into the stratosphere, so air traffic has not been disrupted.”
Experts suggest this may just be the beginning of a long chapter in Iceland’s geological story. Some predict the cycle of eruptions could last for decades — even centuries.
These events, known as fissure eruptions, differ from typical volcanic outbursts. Instead of erupting from a central peak, lava emerges from long fractures in the ground. Spectacular, yes — but also unpredictable.
As Iceland continues to balance life on a volatile fault line, the world watches in awe — and caution.
