Iceland: 80 Earthquakes, Volcano Eruption Lead To Mass Evacuation

A volcanic eruption has occurred in Iceland‘s Reykjanes Peninsula, marking the fourth such event in the Nordic island nation since December. The eruption was confirmed by the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), which stated that the eruption began between Stora Skogfell and Hagafell.

Preceding the eruption, there was a short-term increase in seismic activity in the region between Hagafell and Stora Skogfell. The IMO issued a statement at 20:22 indicating heightened seismic activity and potential magma movement, leading to an increased likelihood of an eruption. Shortly thereafter, at 20:23, the eruption commenced.

The eruption prompted the evacuation of the Blue Lagoon, a popular tourist destination. The evacuation was swiftly executed, with the National Defense Department confirming its completion. The Blue Lagoon’s management expressed gratitude to visitors for their cooperation and to employees and responders for their professionalism and collaboration. The Svartsengi offices of the Blue Lagoon have been closed as a precautionary measure.

Bjarki Kaldalóns Fris, a natural hazard specialist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, compared the recent eruption to the one that occurred on February 8, noting similarities in seismic activity patterns. He reported approximately 80 earthquakes preceding the eruption, with activity intensifying around seven o’clock in the evening. The exact magnitude of the eruption remains uncertain, pending evaluation by scientists conducting aerial assessments.

Einar Bessi Gestsson, a specialist in natural disasters at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, stated efforts are underway to assess the extent of the fracture caused by the eruption. Initial observations suggest similarities to previous eruptions in December and February, characterized by violent starts followed by decreased activity within the first 24 hours.

In response to the eruption, the National Police Commissioner declared a state of emergency for Civil Defense in consultation with the Police Commissioner of Suðurnes. This decision was made due to ongoing efforts to ascertain the eruption’s exact scope and potential risks to public safety.

Hjördís Guðmundsdóttir, head of communications at Almannavarna, affirmed the necessity of the state of emergency declaration, citing ongoing assessments of the eruption’s impact. The Public Safety website has been updated accordingly.

The eruption adds to the recent volcanic activity in Iceland, the fourth such eruption.