Volcanic eruption begins in Iceland near Grindavik

A volcanic eruption has begun on the Reykjanes Peninsula in south-west Iceland.

Iceland’s Meteorological Office said the eruption started around 09.45 local time (10:45 BST) just north of the small town of Grindavík. Less than an hour later, the crack that had opened in the ground was 700 metres (2296ft) wide and continuing to grow.

The eruption occurred after hundreds of earthquakes had hit the area known as Sundhnúks Crater Row around 06:30 local time.

Both Grindavík and the nearby Blue Lagoon spa, a popular tourist destination, had already been ordered to evacuate in anticipation of the eruption. Roads heading in and out of the town remain closed, but flights are currently not affected.

As of 11:00 local time, Iceland’s Meteorological Office (IMO) said the original fissure had extended southward and a new crack had opened.

Officials urged any people remaining in Grindavík to leave. Earlier on Tuesday, several individuals had refused to follow the evacuation order, Icelandic media reported.

The region’s police chief, Úlfar Lúðvíksson, told local media that only around 40 houses had been occupied by residents, following previous volcanic activity.

Most of the 4,000 residents of Grindavík were permanently evacuated in November 2023, prior to eruptions in December 2023 and January, February and March 2024.

The length of the current magma tunnel that formed under the crater series in the area is about 11 km (6.8 miles) – the longest that has been measured since 11 November 2023, the IMO said.

Based on current wind direction, gas pollution from the eruption will travel northeast towards the capital area, the IMO added.

Multiple eruptions have occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021.

The last time the peninsula had a period of volcanic activity was 800 years ago – and the eruptions continued for decades.

Iceland has 33 active volcano systems and sits over what is known as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the boundary between two of the largest tectonic plates on the planet.