Seventh Eruption in Reykjanes Peninsula Starts

The Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland has experienced its seventh volcanic eruption since December 2023, beginning late Wednesday with a lava flow from a newly formed 3-kilometer fissure. The Icelandic Met Office reported the eruption started at 11:14 PM local time, with lava currently flowing at approximately 1,000 feet per hour, impacting infrastructure including the Njarðvík Line hot water pipeline. Residents in the nearby town of Grindavík have been evacuated due to warnings of gas emissions, although authorities state that Reykjavik remains outside the danger zone. This ongoing volcanic activity marks a significant geological revival in the region, which had been dormant for around 800 years prior to 2021, leading to numerous eruptions and seismic events. Despite the challenges, officials emphasize that the safety of residents is a priority and that the recent eruption is not expected to cause further damage to Grindavík. The situation continues to evolve as authorities monitor the lava flow and air quality impacts.