Iceland volcano eruption forces evacuation of town and iconic geothermal spa
LONDON -- A volcanic eruption in southwestern Iceland has once again forced the evacuation of local residents and the internationally known Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, the national broadcaster RUV reported.
The eruption began around 4 a.m. Wednesday following an intense seismic swarm on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of the capital, Reykjavik, Iceland's Met Office said.
Some 100 people were evacuated from the town of Grindavik shortly after the seismic activity began. Tourists at a campsite and guests at the Blue Lagoon were forced to quickly pack their bags, RUV reported.
Margret Kristin Palsdottir, a local police commissioner, said the evacuation went smoothly and lasted about 90 minutes.
'Of course, people have different opinions on whether the evacuation is necessary, but it is a decision we make and take responsibility for,' she said.
Lava from the eruption is flowing southeast from a fissure in the barren landscape that is 700 to 1,000 metres (2,296 to 3,280 feet) wide, but the molten rock isn't threatening any infrastructure, the Met Office said.
Grindavik has been repeatedly affected by the activity since November 2023 when a volcano in the area came to life after lying dormant for some 800 years.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
3 days ago
- CTV News
Solemn events planned to mark one year since 25,000 fled Jasper wildfire
Jasper Fire Chief Mathew Conte addresses the media in one of the most heavily impacted neighbourhoods, roughly one year after the wildfire in Jasper, Alta., on Monday, July 21, 2025. Conte says 2024 was an unprecedented fire season but his team is addressing preparedness, including residential sprinkler systems and fire smarting, to prevent further losses. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken JASPER, ALTA. — Today marks one year since roughly 25,000 tourists and residents of Jasper, Alta., were forced to flee on a single highway, after several runaway fires were discovered in Jasper National Park. There's expected to be solemn reflection in the beloved mountain town, as events are held to remember the evacuation and the flames that incinerated neighbourhoods two days later. A third of the town's structures were destroyed despite firefighters' best efforts. It's estimated about 2,000 people were displaced by the fire. A ceremony is scheduled with Mayor Richard Ireland and federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski. Talking circles, group bike rides and other events are set throughout the week. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2025. Matthew Scace, The Canadian Press
CTV News
3 days ago
- CTV News
Iceland engulfed by volcanic cloud
A group of visitors gather on a hill a few kilometers away to watch the two active craters, after a volcanic eruption around 6km north of Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula, in Iceland, Saturday, July 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Marco di Marco) Reykjavik, Iceland -- Iceland experts on Monday blamed a lack of wind for a volcanic cloud that has lingered over much of the island since an eruption last week. Two craters of a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula spewed out the sulphur-packed cloud on Wednesday. The thick haze has left the capital Reykjavik and the southwest of the country in a pollution red alert, the highest level in Iceland's monitoring system. Hylnur Arnason of the Icelandic Energy and Environment Agency said that volcanic eruptions normally cause air pollution, mainly from the sulphur dioxide that is emitted. The gas becomes sulfate in the atmosphere, creating a volcanic fog. 'It's completely misty in large parts of the country,' said Arnason. 'Usually in Iceland we have lots of wind, which would carry the pollution away, but right now we don't,' the expert added. 'Now it's kind of just sitting over the whole country.' Arnason said the gas was not toxic but could be an 'irritant.' The environment agency has recommended that vulnerable people should remain at home and take precautions against the pollution. The wind was expected to start strengthening again late Monday.
CTV News
16-07-2025
- CTV News
Iceland volcano eruption forces evacuation of town and iconic geothermal spa
The entrance of the Blue Lagoon as the volcano erupts in the background in Grindavik, Iceland, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Marco di Marco) LONDON -- A volcanic eruption in southwestern Iceland has once again forced the evacuation of local residents and the internationally known Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, the national broadcaster RUV reported. The eruption began around 4 a.m. Wednesday following an intense seismic swarm on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of the capital, Reykjavik, Iceland's Met Office said. Some 100 people were evacuated from the town of Grindavik shortly after the seismic activity began. Tourists at a campsite and guests at the Blue Lagoon were forced to quickly pack their bags, RUV reported. Margret Kristin Palsdottir, a local police commissioner, said the evacuation went smoothly and lasted about 90 minutes. 'Of course, people have different opinions on whether the evacuation is necessary, but it is a decision we make and take responsibility for,' she said. Lava from the eruption is flowing southeast from a fissure in the barren landscape that is 700 to 1,000 metres (2,296 to 3,280 feet) wide, but the molten rock isn't threatening any infrastructure, the Met Office said. Grindavik has been repeatedly affected by the activity since November 2023 when a volcano in the area came to life after lying dormant for some 800 years.
