A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted on Tuesday, putting the town of Glindavik in danger and prompting the closure of popular Blue Lagoon tourist spots. It was the 11th eruption since 2021 as Iceland faces an era of intense geological activity.
Aerial video released by authorities showed lava meandering along the ground as white clouds waved into large waves in the air after the eruption that began at 9:45am.
Glindavik, a small fishing village about 25 miles southwest of the capital Reykjavik, has been threatened by eight of 11 eruptions in recent years. Also, town fire chief Einer Johnson said in an interview, including Tuesday.
Jonsson said emergency warnings set emergency warnings in town, with authorities visiting about 40 homes registered as occupation. He said several residents first resisted, but officials declared the town by noon to be civilian empty.
Iceland's Weather Service said the crack had grown to about three-quarters of a mile by around 12:30pm. It seemed to grow south, the office said, and Glindavik was on the road.
Many remain uncertain.
Geophysicist Magnus Gudmunson said he saw a fountain of lava gushing through the cracks Tuesday morning, but said it appears that lava doesn't reach Glindavik during the day. “I can only say time,” he said.
Iceland tried to use infrastructure to protect the town. Since 2023, the government has been trying to build a series of protective barriers made from small car-sized rocks and redirect lava from Glindavik and nearby geothermal power plants.
However, that is the only barrier. Photos shared by the Weather Bureau showed cracks through a train-like barrier that blew through a wall. Along the way, he said another crack had opened between the barrier and the town.
For some residents, the confusion was just too familiar.
Thormar Omarson, who owns a pizzeria in the area, said he was trying to drive to work when he heard that an eruption was predicted on Tuesday. His business is in the heart of Grindavik, so he was unable to open it on Tuesday.
He once lived in Grindavik, but after repeated evacuations he sold the house in August. He currently lives in Keflavik, close to the country's major international airport, and says the flight is not affected by the eruption.
“We have a fridge full of food,” Omerson said he was worried about his pizzeria. “I hope we can resume soon.”
