Eruption forces evacuation as Reykjanes lava nears Grindavik town
7:54 AM EDT, May 31, 2024
Another volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula. After a series of seismic tremors, authorities decided to evacuate tourists enjoying the Blue Lagoon thermal baths, Grindavik residents, and Svartsengi power plant employees. The strongest eruption so far threatens to cut off the town from the rest of the world.
It began on Wednesday, May 29, just before 9 AM Eastern Time. Scientists and residents expected the eruption, which was preceded by a series of seismic tremors. Authorities decided to evacuate tourists staying at the Blue Lagoon thermal baths, employees of the Svartsengi power plant, and residents of Grindavik.
By Wednesday evening, authorities reported that the lava flow had already reached the barriers surrounding the town and the plant. Although the lava overflowed the barrier in one spot, the following line of defense held. Worrisomely, the lava had already inundated practically all access roads to the town and was approaching the only operational road connecting Grindavik with the rest of the world.
Lava is flowing outside the defense walls at Grindavík in several places, and lava is also starting to flow outside the walls at Svartsengi — said Vidir Reynisson from Icelandic Civil Defense on Wednesday evening.
The evacuation ended on Wednesday after 2 p.m. Three residents who had previously refused to leave the town also decided to evacuate. No rescuers or journalists remain in the town.
Scientists indicate that this is the largest eruption in this cycle
The eruption on Wednesday is already the fifth in the last six months. Geophysicist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson told the Icelandic broadcaster that this eruption is the strongest in the cycle. The amount of lava is incomparable to previous eruptions. This is "now the biggest event to date," emphasizes the scientist.
Although the eruption is strong, it does not threaten air traffic. Spokesperson Gudjon Helgason from Isavia, the operator of Keflavik airport near Reykjavik, does not foresee that the volcanic eruption will require limiting flights over the island.
