The Iceland Meteorological Office has reported that the Reykjanes volcano in the country’s southwest has erupted following weeks of high seismic activity. The eruption has resulted in large plumes of smoke and river of lava.
Over the past month, authorities anticipating a significant eruption have evacuated nearly 4,000 residents of the fishing town of Grindavik and closed the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, located on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Reuters images and a live broadcast showed molten rock erupting like fountains from ground fissures, the bright yellow and orange hues cutting a striking contrast against the dark night sky. The country’s civil defense has advised the public to avoid the area while the situation is being evaluated by emergency response teams.
A coastguard helicopter is set to confirm the eruption’s exact location and size shortly, says the Met Office. Reykjavik’s international airport remains open with no disruptions to incoming or outgoing flights confirmed at this time. The Reykjanes peninsula has seen several eruptions in non-populated areas recently but the current eruption could present a risk to Grindavik’s populace.
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