A volcano in Iceland erupted once again on Saturday, marking the fourth eruption since December, as reported by the country's meteorological office. The eruption spectacle included billowing smoke and vibrant orange lava shooting into the air, creating a stark contrast against the dark night sky.
In a dramatic video captured from a Coast Guard helicopter and broadcasted on public television, streams of molten rock surged from an extensive fissure in the ground, with lava spreading rapidly in both directions.
The eruption commenced at 2023 GMT, with the fissure estimated to stretch approximately 2.9 kilometers long, similar in size to the previous eruption in February, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
Authorities had issued warnings for weeks regarding the imminent eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula, just south of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik. The eruption site was situated between Hagafell and Stora-Skogfell, the same area as the previous outbreak in February, resulting in the evacuation of the town.
Kristin Maria Birgisdottir, evacuated from Grindavik in November, expressed a sense of resignation, stating, "We're just like, this is business as usual." She recounted how her son casually informed her of the eruption, highlighting the normalized response to such events among locals.
Icelandic police declared a state of emergency for the area, and nearby attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon luxury geothermal spa, closed their doors as a precaution.
Iceland, known for its abundance of active volcanoes, attracts volcano tourists from around the world. In 2010, the Eyafjallajokull volcano's eruptions caused significant disruption across Europe, grounding flights and leading to evacuations.
Although eruptions in the Reykjanes peninsula typically do not cause extensive explosions or ash dispersal, scientists anticipate ongoing eruptions for years to come. Consequently, Icelandic authorities have initiated the construction of dykes to redirect lava flows away from residential areas and vital infrastructure.
Situated between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, Iceland experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to the plates' divergent movement.
