Tue Apr 01 13:40:00 UTC 2025: ## New Volcanic Eruption Near Grindavík, Iceland, Forces Evacuation
**Grindavík, Iceland –** A new volcanic eruption has struck the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavík, forcing the evacuation of the town of Grindavík and the closure of the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. This marks the eleventh eruption in the region since 2021.
The eruption began around 9:45 am local time on Thursday after an earthquake swarm. Lava and smoke quickly spread southward, breaching protective barriers built to shield Grindavík. By 10:30 am, the fissure was estimated to be 700 meters long.
Authorities completed the evacuation of Grindavík, though a small number of residents refused to leave. Civil protection director Runólfur Þórhallsson warned that this eruption could be significantly larger than previous ones due to a longer magma tunnel and substantial magma accumulation. He urged remaining residents to evacuate immediately.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported stronger signals than in recent eruptions, indicating a large magma movement. The IMO also noted earthquake activity and deformation in Grindavík, suggesting potential fault movements within the town itself.
While the Blue Lagoon is temporarily closed, Iceland’s tourist board assures that there is no threat to the wider population and that flights at Keflavík airport are operating as normal. However, the eruption area remains closed until further notice, with potential gas pollution monitored depending on wind direction.
Despite a previous dip in tourism following a November 2023 eruption, visitor numbers have recently shown a slight increase. The eruption’s long-term impact on tourism remains to be seen.
First Piper 