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The Icelandic volcano has once again made headlines with its seventh eruption in just a year. This latest eruption occurred on Wednesday night, marking the seventh eruption of a volcano near Iceland’s capital since December. The volcano is located in the southwest of the country on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
According to the Icelandic Met Office, the fissure on the volcano is estimated to be around 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) in length. The eruption started shortly after 11 p.m. local time on Wednesday, with a follow-up update from the Met Office three hours later suggesting that the fissure had stopped expanding.
Despite the eruption, Iceland’s official tourism website reported that air traffic to and from Iceland was running as usual on Thursday. Unlike the previous eruption that occurred on August 22, which opened up a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) fissure, this recent eruption was considerably smaller in scale.
As a precautionary measure, two hotels and a geothermal power facility at the famous Blue Lagoon were evacuated. The Blue Lagoon has had to close multiple times in the past year due to volcanic activity. The area around the Blue Lagoon was off-limits, with residents and visitors urged to evacuate.
The eruption was triggered by the Sundhnúkur volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Grindavik, Iceland. Snorri Valsson, a spokesperson for the Icelandic Tourist Board, assured that the municipality of Grindavík was not in danger of being affected by the volcanic flow. The evacuation efforts were successful, with the Svartsengi Power Plant, the two hotels at the Blue Lagoon, and the 60 individuals in town being safely removed. At the time of the eruption, the Blue Lagoon was closed to the public.
This recent eruption adds to the list of ten eruptions that have occurred on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula since January 2020. Iceland, with a population of around 400,000, is known for being one of the most active volcanic areas in the world. Situated on the dynamic geological boundary between Europe and North America, Iceland regularly experiences seismic activities.
Last year alone, Iceland was hit by over 1,000 earthquakes within a single 24-hour period, highlighting the intense geological activity of the region. Despite the frequent volcanic eruptions, Iceland remains resilient and has developed comprehensive emergency response plans to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors.
In conclusion, the recent eruption in Iceland serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity in the region. Authorities and experts will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of those living in areas prone to volcanic eruptions. Iceland’s resilience in the face of such natural phenomena is a testament to the strength and preparedness of its people.
