Reykjavik, Iceland – A state of emergency has been declared in Iceland after a volcano erupted for the fourth time since December, spewing orange lava into the air. “Warning: An eruption began in Reykjanes,” the Icelandic Meteorological Office announced on its website Saturday.
The recent eruption follows a period of monitoring by scientists at the Icelandic Met Office, who detected a rise in seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Civil Protection Agency had previously issued warnings of an imminent eruption, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Icelandic police enacted a state of emergency for the affected area, while Civil Defense authorities dispatched a helicopter to evaluate the extent of the eruption. The Blue Lagoon luxury geothermal spa, a popular tourist destination, temporarily closed its operations in response to the volcanic activity.
Photos captured plumes of smoke and lava engulfing Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, showcasing the destructive power of the eruption. Residents of the town had been evacuated in November as a precautionary measure following a series of erupting volcanoes.
This recent eruption marks the fourth in a series that began on Dec. 18, with subsequent eruptions occurring on Jan. 14 and Feb. 8. Iceland, located above a volcanic hotspot in the North Atlantic, typically experiences volcanic eruptions every four to five years.
With over 30 active volcanoes across the country, Iceland remains highly susceptible to volcanic activity. As authorities monitor the situation closely, the safety of residents and visitors remains a top priority.