Grindavík and Blue Lagoon Evacuated Amid New Volcanic Eruption
The Icelandic town of Grindavík along with the renowned Blue Lagoon tourist destination has been evacuated following a recent volcanic eruption, marking the 11th such event since the Reykjanes Peninsula entered a new eruption phase in 2021. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that the eruption erupted at approximately 9:45 AM local time, emerging from the Sundhnúkur crater row, just north of the protective barrier near Grindavík.
Starting with an earthquake swarm early in the morning, the fissure quickly expanded, spewing lava and smoke across the landscape. By 10 AM, the fissure had already stretched about 700 meters long, with dramatic footage capturing magma erupting on the Grindavík side of the defense barrier. The IMO cautioned that the fissure may continue to grow further south, posing significant risks to the area.
Grindavík, a fishing town situated roughly an hour’s drive from the capital city, has remained largely uninhabited since November 10, 2023, when a previous eruption caused significant fissures in the town, some reaching depths of 20 meters. Despite some of the town's 3,800 residents returning briefly, many have since relocated, especially after the state acquired most buildings rendered uninhabitable.
Regional authorities confirmed the completion of the evacuation process, with only a small number of residents opting to stay behind. The Blue Lagoon, a popular destination for both locals and tourists, has been temporarily closed due to the eruption but successfully evacuated its guests. Iceland’s Director of Civil Protection, Ch Supt Runólfur Þórhallsson, urged residents who remain in Grindavík to evacuate, warning that this eruption could surpass recent events due to the presence of a larger magma chamber below the surface.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported heightened seismic activities, indicating that a significant amount of magma is moving beneath the ground, and the town of Grindavík itself is experiencing visible signs of deformation due to fault movements. Emergency responders have also noted earthquakes in the area, intensifying the urgency for evacuation.
Despite the volcanic activity, Iceland’s tourism board reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to the population and that operations at Keflavík Airport are continuing as normal. Snorri Valsson, a representative from the tourism board, noted that the affected area has been cordoned off and that gas pollution could occur depending on wind directions, although it is being closely monitored.
While there was a noticeable decline in tourist numbers following the November 2023 eruption—much of which was attributed to sensationalized international reporting—recent statistics indicate a rebound. Often overlooked, the number of foreign nationals through Keflavík airport increased by 2% to 2,261,391 during the first half of 2024 compared to the prior year, while overnight hotel stays recorded in November for that year reached 383,963, signaling an upward trend in tourism despite the challenges brought on by ongoing volcanic activity.
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