Massive Lava Eruption Near Grindavik, Iceland Triggers Evacuations

Images show impressive volcanic eruption in Iceland

A massive lava eruption near Grindavik, Iceland, has prompted evacuations as a volcano near the Sundhnúkar craters on the Reykjanes Peninsula erupts, sending jets of lava 50 meters into the air.

Increased seismic activity in the area had already caused some residents of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon to leave their homes in anticipation of an eruption. The Icelandic Met Office reported significant seismic activity near the Sundhnúkar craters, which indicated an imminent volcanic eruption or magma intrusion.

The Met Office confirmed the eruption in its latest update, describing jets reaching a height of "at least 50 metres" and noting that the crater spans about one kilometer. "An eruption has started near Sundhnúk and seems to be located northeast of Sýlingafell," the statement read. "The Coast Guard helicopter was taking off to determine the exact location and size of the eruption. More information will be available soon."

The Sundhnukar volcano erupting

Earlier, the Met Office noted: "A magma run has begun. All signals seen in the run-up to previous eruptions are now visible on measuring instruments, including local and intense microseismic activity, pressure variation in boreholes, and deformation signals on GPS meters. There is an increased chance that this magma flow will lead to an eruption."

Approximately 400 earthquakes have been recorded near the Sundhnúkar crater series in the past week, with the largest being a magnitude 2.2 earthquake before the latest incident. Volcanic activity has been spreading along a magma corridor from Grindavik to Stóra Skógfell. On Tuesday, the Met Office reported nearly 70 earthquakes in the area, following close to 100 recorded the previous day. Since the end of an eruption on May 9, the area has typically seen 40 to 60 earthquakes daily, with occasional spikes to around 80.

People watch as molten lava flows out from a fissure Grindavik in March

In March, a state of emergency was declared after a fissure near Grindavik destroyed hot water pipes, leaving 20,000 residents without heating. Experts fear the long-dormant fault line under the country may have reawakened, potentially leading to years of volcanic activity.