Live Stream: Iceland’s Volcano Erupts Once More | Global News

An Icelandic volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula has erupted for the eighth time since 2021, marking a significant geological event after 800 years of dormancy. The eruption, which began on Wednesday afternoon, is the fifth eruption since December and has caused the evacuation of the fishing town of Grindavik, home to 3,800 people.

Lava is shooting up to 50 meters into the sky from a fissure that is approximately 1.5 miles long and expanding, according to Iceland’s Met Office. The Blue Lagoon thermal spa, a popular tourist destination, was also evacuated before the eruption. Flights to and from Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport are currently operating normally, but passengers are advised to stay updated on travel information.

Authorities had issued warnings about potential volcanic activity in the area due to underground magma accumulation. Man-made barriers have been put in place to redirect lava away from critical infrastructure such as a geothermal power plant, the Blue Lagoon spa, and Grindavik, in an effort to minimize damage.

This recent eruption highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Iceland, as scientists predict that the Reykjanes peninsula could experience eruptions for decades or even centuries. The country’s most disruptive volcanic event in recent history occurred in 2010 when the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted, causing widespread air travel disruptions across Europe.