Iceland’s Sundhnukur Volcano Erupts Near Reykjavik

A volcanic eruption has erupted southwestern Iceland near the capital, Reykjavik, marking the 12th such event on the island since 2021, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

The eruption began early Wednesday with a fissure opening up in the Sundhnukur area, spanning between 700 to 1,000 metres (765 to 1,095 yards).

“Lava is mostly flowing to the southeast and is not approaching any infrastructure,” the Meteorological Office said in a statement. “Based on GPS measurements and deformation signals, it is likely that this was a relatively small eruption.”

Authorities evacuated tourists from the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, and residents from the fishing town of Grindavik, according to local broadcaster RUV.

Unlike eruptions from a central volcanic cone, fissure eruptions like this one occur from long cracks in the Earth’s crust, producing curtain-like lava flows.

Iceland has seen a surge in volcanic activity since the Reykjanes Peninsula reawakened geologically in 2021. These eruptions, while frequent, have so far not damaged the capital and did not significantly disrupt air travel.

Grindavik, once home to nearly 4,000 residents, has remained largely deserted since a mass evacuation in 2023 due to the persistent threat of lava flows and linked earthquakes.

With input from Al Jazeera