Volcanic eruption in Iceland triggers evacuations

Department of Research, Studies and International News 03-04-2025

A volcanic eruption erupted south of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, sending molten lava and plumes of smoke into the sky. The dramatic event prompted authorities to evacuate both residents and tourists from the affected areas, although air travel remained unaffected.

Iceland’s Meteorological Office confirmed the eruption on Tuesday, cautioning the public with an urgent statement: “Warning: An eruption has begun.” The fissure from which lava was spewing was estimated to be about 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) long and appeared to be expanding southward.

Often called the “land of ice and fire” due to its striking combination of glaciers and volcanoes, Iceland has experienced a series of volcanic events in recent years. Since 2021, the region south of Reykjavik has witnessed 11 eruptions, marking the reactivation of geological systems that had remained dormant for approximately 800 years.

Iceland’s Volcanic Landscape and Historic Eruptions

Positioned atop a highly active volcanic hotspot in the North Atlantic, Iceland is no stranger to eruptions. One of the most significant in modern history occurred in 2010 when the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted, unleashing massive clouds of volcanic ash into the atmosphere. That event severely disrupted transatlantic flights, grounding thousands of passengers and affecting global travel for months.

The latest eruption, however, did not produce a similar level of disruption. While lava and smoke poured from the fissure, there was no significant ash dispersion into the upper atmosphere, meaning that flights to and from Iceland continued without delays.

Impact on Grindavík and Surrounding Areas

The fishing town of Grindavík, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, was one of the hardest-hit areas. The eruption breached protective barriers set up around the town, forcing its residents to evacuate once again. Many had only recently returned after previous volcanic activity had driven them away. Despite this, much of Grindavík had remained largely uninhabited for over a year due to ongoing geological threats.

The nearby Blue Lagoon, a world-famous geothermal spa, was also cleared of visitors hours before the eruption. Geologists had been monitoring the situation closely and issued warnings that a volcanic event was imminent, allowing emergency services to act swiftly.

Seismic Activity and the Potential for Future Eruptions

Later on Tuesday, a powerful earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale struck the region, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), further highlighting the area’s unstable geological conditions.

Volcanologists noted that the recent eruption bore similarities to a previous one in January 2024, which also saw lava flow toward Grindavík. Experts believe that these fissure eruptions, characterized by magma escaping through long cracks in the Earth’s crust rather than a centralized volcanic vent, could continue for decades or even centuries.

Despite the risks posed by its volatile landscape, Iceland remains a major tourist destination. The country, home to nearly 400,000 people, attracts visitors eager to witness its raw natural beauty, including geysers, hot springs, glaciers, and, of course, its ever-active volcanoes.

While authorities continue to monitor the situation, the latest eruption serves as a stark reminder of Iceland’s dynamic and unpredictable geology. Though nature’s fury has forced evacuations, it has also drawn the fascination of those who marvel at the planet’s powerful forces at work.