A volcano in southwestern Iceland has erupted for the sixth time since December, with the met office stating that there is no threat to life despite significant seismic activity. The eruption, which started at 9:26pm on Thursday, has resulted in red lava spewing from a new fissure on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The total length of the fissure was about 3.9km and extended by 1.5km in a short period of time. The nearby area has been evacuated, with the impact limited to a localized area near the eruption site.
Flights to and from Iceland are operating normally, according to the national airport and air navigation service provider Isavia, although the Blue Lagoon luxury geothermal spa and hotel has been evacuated. The eruption has taken place on the Sundhnukar crater row east of mountain Sylingafell, with the volcanic system on the peninsula opening giant cracks in the ground rather than having a central crater.
Authorities have constructed barriers to redirect lava flows away from critical infrastructure, including the Svartsengi power plant, the Blue Lagoon spa, and the town of Grindavik. The Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced a total of nine eruptions since 2021, with scientists warning of repeated outbreaks for decades or even centuries due to reactivated geological systems. Iceland, with its more than 30 active volcanoes, has become a popular destination for volcano tourism, attracting thrill-seekers to witness these natural phenomena.
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