Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Closed and Evacuated Due to Volcanic Eruption

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland has been closed and evacuated following a significant volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption, which began late Wednesday, sent lava flowing into the facility’s parking lot and destroyed at least one service building.

Cameras around the Sundhnúkur volcano captured dramatic images of the eruption lighting up the night sky shortly before midnight local time. Local authorities declared a state of emergency and ensured the safe evacuation of residents and tourists from the potential danger zone.

The Icelandic Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter to monitor the lava flow and assess any potential infrastructure damage. Despite protective barriers built to divert the lava, it still managed to flow into the Blue Lagoon’s parking lot. Heavy machinery is being used to fill gaps in the protective barriers to prevent further damage.

The Blue Lagoon has announced that it will remain closed through Sunday, pending further assessment of the situation. This is not the first disruption caused by volcanic activity in the area; earlier in 2024, an eruption damaged the region’s main pipeline, which delivers hot water to homes and businesses.

The seaside town of Grindavik, which is near the Blue Lagoon, was also evacuated due to the ongoing volcanic activity. The area has been on edge since the initial eruptions began at the end of 2023. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation, noting that the eruption is part of a series of events in the past year where fissures have released lava.

Iceland, located near the intersection of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, is prone to volcanic activity, with approximately 130 volcanic mountains, most of which are dormant.