Massive eruption on the Icelandic peninsula: lava and evacuations!

Massive eruption on the Icelandic peninsula: lava and evacuations!

On July 17, 2025, a volcanic eruption occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, the fissure of which reached a length of up to 2.4 kilometers. The eruption began the morning after a swarm of earthquakes and was reported by the Icelandic Meteorological Office shortly before 4 a.m. (local time). This eruption is the twelfth volcanic eruption in Iceland since spring 2021 and the ninth since the end of 2023, indicating increasing volcanic activity in this region. This eruption also opened another crack in the earth, which is around 500 meters long.

The lava fountains reveal impressive scenes, as live recordings show, which spew glowing red lava from the elongated crack in the earth. The eruption site was rated as favorable by experts as there is no danger to the population or infrastructure in the nearby town of Grindavík. However, the campsite in Grindavík and the famous Blue Lagoon have been temporarily evacuated for safety reasons, meaning the popular tourist attraction is currently inaccessible.

Regulatory measures and security warnings

Icelandic authorities have urged travelers to follow the instructions of local authorities given the dangers posed by dangerous gases in the area surrounding the eruption. However, despite the outbreak, travel options in the country have not been significantly affected. Keflavík Airport continues to operate normally without a travel warning being issued. The main road between the airport and Reykjavík also remains open.

Travelers affected by flight cancellations due to the volcanic eruption are entitled to a refund or free rebooking of their tickets. Compared to previous eruptions, such as the brief eruption in early April that only lasted a few days, the current event shows more intense activity. Iceland, which has a total of 140 fire mountains, 31 of which are considered active, remains a hotspot of volcanic activity.

Review of volcanic activity

Iceland has been on alert since increased volcanic activity began. The last significant activity in the region was recorded in December 2023 and January and February 2024. Experts had expected future eruptions to occur in the fall, which makes the current eruption all the more surprising.

In conclusion, the situation on the Reykjanes Peninsula is under control and the population is urged to remain calm while authorities continue to monitor developments.

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