Fiery Eruption in Iceland’s Sundhnukagigar: Fifth Eruption of the Year

A volcano in southwestern Iceland has erupted for the fifth time this year. The eruption in Sundhnukagigar marks the most powerful activity since the volcanic system became active three years ago.

The fiery spectacle commenced shortly after the conclusion of an eight-week-long eruption between Hagafell and Stora-Skogfell on the Reykjanes peninsula.

Reportedly, the lava fountains soared to a height of 50 metres (164 feet), with the fissure extending approximately 3.4km (2.1 miles), as confirmed by the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

Despite the volcanic eruption, flights at Reykjavik‘s Keflavik airport operated without disruption, per the information available on the airport’s website.

This marks the eighth eruption since 2021 on the Reykjanes peninsula, where around 30,000 residents reside, reigniting geological systems that had laid dormant for 800 years.

The volcanic activity has caused disruptions to district heating, led to the closure of vital roads, and resulted in the destruction of several houses in the fishing town of Grindavik. Only a handful of residents have returned since the evacuation in late 2023.

Authorities in Iceland escalated civil defense measures, with the police announcing a high alert and ordering the evacuation of Grindavik once again.

In response to the eruption, the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa—the renowned for its expansive outdoor pools—temporarily closed its doors and evacuated guests as a safety precaution.

Local residents often refer to Iceland as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” acknowledging its extraordinary landscape of towering mountains, icy fields, and picturesque fjords. Iceland’s positioning atop the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates makes it a seismic hotspot.