Authorities have confirmed the occurrence of a fresh volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland. This marks the sixth eruption in the region since December, with hot lava visibly spewing into the air.
Live video feeds captured the vivid sight of orange lava bursting from a long fissure, casting a glow on the billowing smoke ascending into the night sky.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) released a statement declaring the eruption’s commencement at 9:26 pm (2126 GMT) on Thursday, following a sequence of earthquakes.
The extent of the fissure has yet to be determined, as confirmed by the IMO.
This eruption follows five previous ones since December, closely following the end of a three-week eruption just two months prior.
Reports from Icelandic media indicate the evacuation of the nearby fishing village of Grindavik, a precaution taken during past eruptions. The exact number of individuals present in the vicinity is currently unknown.
Prior to the recent activity, the Reykjanes peninsula had remained free from volcanic eruptions for eight centuries until an event in March 2021.
Subsequent eruptions occurred in August 2022 and in July and December 2023, prompting volcanologists to warn of a heightened phase of seismic movements in the area.
With 33 active volcano systems, Iceland holds the highest count in Europe, owing to its position atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This underwater crevice divides the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
AFP