Iceland's Volcano Erupts for Fifth Time, Forces Evacuation of Popular Tourist Destination

On a dramatic Wednesday in southwestern Iceland, a volcano erupted for the fifth time since December, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. The eruption shattered the Sundhnjukar mountain ridge, unleashing a stunning display of lava shooting up to 150 feet into the sky.

Early Warnings and Evacuations

The meteorological office had received early signs of a possible eruption approximately two hours before the event, which took place at 1 p.m. local time in Grindavik. Subsequently, the civil defense agency swiftly issued evacuation orders for the Blue Lagoon, a renowned geothermal spa and one of Iceland’s top tourist attractions. Almost 800 guests staying at the Blue Lagoon and the adjacent hotels were urgently notified to leave, with alarming text messages and blaring civil defense sirens.

Eruption's Aftermath

Shortly after the eruption, travelers on the highway to Keflavik Airport captured images of the almost two-mile-long fissure at Sundhnjukar. The capital city, Reykjavik, also witnessed a substantial column of smoke billowing into the sky.