State of Emergency Declared in Iceland as Volcano Erupts for Fourth Time in Three Months

A state of emergency has been declared in Iceland as a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula erupted for the fourth time in three months. The volcanic eruption occurred between Stora-Skogfell and Hagafell mountains, sending fiery lava into the sky.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office had issued warnings for weeks about accumulating magma underground, indicating an imminent eruption. The latest eruption opened a three-kilometer-long fissure, causing hundreds to evacuate from the popular Blue Lagoon thermal spa.

No disruptions were reported at Keflavik, Iceland’s main airport, which is located near the eruption site northeast of Grindavik, a coastal town of 3,800 residents.

The series of eruptions in the area began in November, prompting the evacuation of Grindavik. The recent eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula is said to be the most powerful one yet, as stated by geophysicist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson.

Iceland, being situated above a volcanic hot spot, is experienced in dealing with eruptions. The most notable eruption in recent times was the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption, which caused widespread airspace closures over Europe due to ash clouds.