Iceland evacuations as volcano spews lava again

Southern Iceland has declared a state of emergency due to the fourth volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula since December.

Residents of Grindavik and visitors to the Blue Lagoon have been evacuated as a precaution.

The eruption, which began on Saturday evening, has resulted in a giant lava spill and billowing smoke. Geophysicist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson described it as the most powerful eruption so far, with lava moving west and south.

While Keflavik International Airport and regional airports remain unaffected, the Blue Lagoon has been closed temporarily. The eruption has prompted concerns about potential lava flow reaching Grindavik's defence walls.

This event marks the seventh eruption since 2021, indicating a new volcanic era for the Reykjanes Peninsula. Iceland's volcanic activity is attributed to its location over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic boundary.