Smoke cloud over Geldingadalir volcano, Iceland, in August 2021.

Khushboo Malhotra

The second volcanic eruption in less than a month on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland has forced residents to evacuate.

The eruption started just before 8:00 am local time on Sunday 14th January, following a series of small earthquakes in the region earlier that morning around 3:00 am.

Grindavík, home to approximately 4,000 residents, had already been evacuated in November 2023 due to a similar volcanic event.

While no casualties were reported, the eruption inflicted significant damage to infrastructure and left several houses ablaze.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office raised the alert level to “emergency” for the potential threat posed to people, communities, property and the environment.

Response From Authorities

Grindavík’s mayor, Fannar Jonasson, raised concerns about the lava’s proximity to Grindavík, describing the situation as a “big and serious shock for the population,” as it breached defensive barriers built around it.

In a televised address, President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson assured the nation that no lives were in immediate danger due to the successful overnight evacuation.

He urged Icelanders to “stand together and show compassion for those who cannot be in their homes.”

Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir pledged coordinated efforts to address the crisis, stating” “Today is a black day for Grindavík and today is a black day for all of Iceland, but the sun will rise again.”

The volcano appeared less active on Monday, but the meteorological office warned of the high-risk area and the potential for new fissures to open without warning.

Geological Dynamics

“A stark reminder of Iceland’s delicate coexistence with its dynamic geological landscape”

While volcanic eruptions are not uncommon in Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula has been dormant for about 800 years, until 2021. Since then, five eruptions have occurred.

Armann Hoskuldsson, a volcanologist, warned the New York Times that the peninsula had “entered a new volcanic era,” with more seismic activity expected over the next decade.

Volcanologist Dr Evgenia Ilyinskaya from the University of Leeds also highlighted concerns that Iceland may be entering a phase of frequent eruptions, happening every few months or once a year, potentially lasting for decades or even centuries.

Science journalist Robin Andrews cautioned that the aftermath, particularly the release of sulfur dioxide, might pose challenges for individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues.

Travel And Tourism

While the volcanic eruption has disrupted daily life in Grindavík, the Icelandic government stated that it poses no immediate threat to life or tourism in other populated regions in Iceland.

Authorities expressed confidence that the Reykjanes eruption will not replicate the widespread disruption caused by the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in 2010, which blanketed Western Europe with ash particles.

While the eruption area remains closed until further notice, officials encourage the public to respect the closure and monitor local media for updates.

Flight operations to and from Iceland continue without disruption, and international flight corridors remain open.

The UK Foreign Office advises prospective travellers to Iceland to stay informed through local updates and adhere to authorities’ guidance.

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Featured image courtesy of mzagerp on Flickr. No changes made to this image. Image license found here.

Khushboo is a Twitter Editor at Empoword Journalism. She is an Award-nominated lifestyle and pop culture journalist, writer, and budding entrepreneur aiming to break down the boundaries of cultural stigma and shame attached to mental health and sexual health and bring marginalised topics to light. Send your stories, tips, and press announcements to khushboomalhotrafreelance@gmail.com

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