An Icelandic volcano is erupting...again. See spectacular drone video and maps of the area.
Magma is flowing again in the land of ice and fire after an eruption in Iceland's Sundhnúksgígar crater row. This is ninth such event in the area and 12th on the greater Reykjanes Peninsula since the latest volcanic cycle began with the eruption of Fagradalsfjall in 2021, according RÚV, Iceland's public broadcasting service.
The eruption began just before 4 a.m. local time after a swarm of seismic activity according to the Icelandic Meteorological Service, prompting evacuations from the village of Grindavik and local tourist attractions including the popular Blue Lagoon spa.
Reports from the Icelandic Meteorological Office say the eruption consists of multiple fissures, one near the Sundhnúkur crater is around 2.4 kilometers long, and another smaller fissure of about 500 meters is located west of Fagradalsfjall.
Map of Iceland and volcano location
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The meteorological office also notes that "witch's hair" — fine glass fibers formed when lava droplets cool rapidly and stretch — has been reported drifting in the wind. These strands can travel long distances and cause skin and eye irritation. Residents are being advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed, turn off ventilation systems, and breathe through their noses. High levels of gas pollution were measured in Reykjanesbær but are decreasing.
Volcanic unrest and gas hazard areas
Contributing: Jennifer Borresen and Shawn J. Sullivan, Paste BN.