Iceland Reykjanes Volcano Erupts 12th Time Since 2021, Causes Evacuations

Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula experienced its 12th volcanic eruption since 2021, with a fissure up to 1,000 meters long opening and lava flowing southeast without threatening infrastructure. The eruption prompted evacuations in the nearby town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, although no damage to roads, power plants, or airports has been reported, and flights at Keflavik airport remain unaffected. Experts describe the eruption as relatively small but part of an ongoing volcanic cycle that began after a long dormant period, with magma activity expected to cause further eruptions for many years or even decades. These fissure eruptions, characterized by lava emerging from long cracks rather than a central crater, have increased volcanic activity on the peninsula since 2021. Despite the frequent eruptions, Iceland's natural landscape continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as emergency teams remain on alert due to the region's geological instability.