Iceland Reykjanes Volcano eruption near Grindavik and the one of the most popular tourist attractions the Icelandic Blue Lagoons. It is thought to be the most powerful flare-up so far.
The Volcano in Iceland erupted for the fourth time in 3 months.
This was the Biggest eruption of them all, with the lava estimated to reach the Atlantic Ocean later today if this continues at current speed.
Lava has reached the eastern defences around the evacuated town of Grindavik, local media said.
Iceland Reykjanes Volcano eruption preparation is incredible
It took 30 mins for both Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon to be evacuated. The Icelandic Met Office gave out an eruption warning and 2 minutes later the town’s roughly 4,000 residents evacuation began.
Video of the Volcano erupting
Keflavik International Airport and other regional airports have not been affected by the explosion. Iceland’s airspace remains open. A giant lava spill is billowing smoke.
According to the country’s civil defence service, the eruption began after 20:00 local time (20:00 GMT) on Saturday between Hagafell and Stora-Scogfell – north of Grindavik.
This is a similar location to the eruption that began on 8 December.
Video of the Volcano erupting the footage of the explosion showed clouds of smoke and glowing magma oozing and bubbling from vents in the earth.
Live volcano tracking
What are the Geologists saying?
Geophysicist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, who was among those to fly over the affected areas in a helicopter, told local media that Saturday’s eruption was the most powerful so far.
Two lava streams have been moving west and south. Local media reported that lava from the latter had reached Grindavik’s eastern defence walls.
Live footage of the Icelandic Reykjanes Volcano eruption near Grindavik
Iceland has 33 active volcano systems and sits over what is known as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the boundary between two of the largest tectonic plates on the planet.
The last time the Reykjanes Peninsula had a period of volcanic activity was 800 years ago – and the eruptions went on for decades.