'Earthquake Swarm' in Iceland Triggers New Volcanic Eruption, Lava and Smoke Spew From the Ground

There are many stunning spots in the world that attract tourists with their scenic beauty. Sometimes, natural disasters threaten the very existence of such sought-after locations. This is what can possibly happen in an Icelandic Town, stated The Guardian.

The area, including the Icelandic town of Grindavík and the nearby Blue Lagoon, has been hit by a volcanic eruption. According to experts, it is the 11th eruption in the area since 2021. These eruptions have been going on since the Reykjanes peninsula, a region southwest of Reykjavík, was activated. The latest eruption started as an "earthquake swarm" on April 1st, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO). The shaking started around 6.30 a.m. on the Sundhnúkur crater, and the eruption happened at 9.45 a.m., north of the protective barrier near Grindavík. The whole area was quickly evacuated.

The orange-red fissure containing lava and smoke spread southward and reached the defence walls north of Grindavík. Experts informed that a second fissure also opened up between Grindavík’s protective barriers and the town. Authorities claim that there is a chance that more eruptions could happen. "The fissure continues to grow, and it cannot be ruled out that it may continue to open further south," the IMO said.

IMO's investigation has led to evidence that confirms that significant movement has taken place underneath the town's surface. Though the volcanic activity has considerably decreased, findings suggest that seismic activity is still ongoing. The town has more or less been devoid of people since 10 November 2023, when the area was attacked by another significant eruption. At that time, the town had 3,800 residents, of whom a few came back later, while the majority shifted to other parts of the country because of the imminent danger. Regional police claim that a small number of people are still in the town, even after the present eruption, and refuse to leave.

Runólfur Þórhallsson, Iceland’s director of civil protection, has urged those who have stayed back to comply with the authorities, as the eruption could turn more deadly and dangerous. "Emergency responders in Grindavík have reported that earthquakes can be felt in the town, and signs of deformation are also visible there, suggesting that fault movements could occur within the town itself," IMO added. Blue Lagoon authorities informed that their thermal spa has been completely evacuated. 

Icelandic Tourist Board claims that there is no cause for concern and that currently, there is no threat to the population. Tourism in the region faced a lot of losses after the 2023 eruption, which the tourism board felt occurred due to the atmosphere of fear created by international reporting. "The area has been closed off and is completely closed until further notice. Gas pollution might form in isolated areas around the eruption, depending on wind direction, and is closely monitored," Snorri Valsson, a spokesperson for the tourist board, said. "The eruption is still developing and we will publish further information when gathered," Valsson added. No flights have been delayed due to volcanic eruptions.