Iceland Volcano Erupts Ninth Time Since 2023, Evacuations Near Grindavik

A volcano erupted on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, marking the ninth eruption in the region since late 2023. The eruption began just before 4 a.m. local time, with lava flowing from a main fissure approximately 2.4 kilometers long and a secondary fissure about 500 meters long. Due to high gas pollution levels, authorities advised residents to stay indoors and evacuated the nearby fishing village of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, an internationally popular tourist destination. Despite the eruption's size, geophysicists noted it was smaller than previous ones and posed no threat to infrastructure. The event follows an unexpected eruption, as risk assessments had not predicted another eruption until autumn. Authorities also prevented tourists from entering the area to ensure safety amid this ongoing volcanic activity.