Wed Jul 16 06:57:33 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Sundhnukur volcano near Reykjavik, Iceland, has erupted, marking the 12th volcanic event in the country since 2021. A fissure 700-1000 meters long has opened, releasing lava primarily southeast, posing no immediate threat to infrastructure. As a precaution, residents of Grindavik and guests at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa have been evacuated. This eruption is considered relatively small and hasn’t caused air traffic disruptions like the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption. Grindavik remains mostly deserted due to ongoing volcanic threats, and experts predict continued volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula for decades. Despite the eruptions, Iceland remains a popular tourist destination, attracting millions annually to explore its volcanic landscapes.

**News Article:**

**Iceland’s Sundhnukur Volcano Erupts, Evacuations Ordered**

**REYKJAVIK, Iceland** – The Sundhnukur volcano, located near Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, has erupted for the 12th time since 2021. The Icelandic Meteorological Office confirmed the eruption began Wednesday morning, with a fissure stretching 700 to 1,000 meters in southwestern Iceland.

“Lava is mostly flowing to the southeast and is not approaching any infrastructure,” the agency stated. “Based on GPS measurements and deformation signals, it is likely that this was a relatively small eruption.”

As a precautionary measure, residents of the nearby fishing town of Grindavik and guests at the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa resort have been evacuated, according to public broadcaster RUV. Grindavik, previously home to nearly 4,000 people, has been largely deserted since a 2023 evacuation order due to the ongoing threat of lava flows and earthquakes.

While live images show lava and smoke spewing into the sky, officials emphasize that this eruption, unlike the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption that grounded flights across Europe, is not expected to disrupt air traffic.

This latest event marks a continued period of volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Experts predict eruptions in the area could persist for decades. Despite the ongoing volcanic activity, Iceland remains a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year drawn to its unique landscape. The tourist board reported almost 2.3 million foreign arrivals in 2024.

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