Astounding lava flows block the road to Grindavik in Iceland

Shocking images. Rivers of lava block the road leading to the coastal town of Grindavik and the popular Laguna Azul geothermal spa, after a powerful new eruption from the Icelandic volcano.

The main road leading to the city of Grindavik was completely blocked by a new volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula, southeast of Iceland.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported that this is the fifth eruption since December 2023.

The eruption occurred near Sundhnúk, north of Grindavík, and was detected through monitoring cameras at the site. The images captured show large flows of dense lava at very high temperatures, reaching up to approximately 50 metres in height.

Volcanic, Grindavik, Reykjanes peninsula.
Path covered in volcanic rock in Iceland. Credits: AP.

The length of the volcanic fissure is estimated at one kilometre and continues to expand, according to the statement from the IMO. The invasion of lava on the road has interrupted access to the popular Blue Lagoon, a significant blow to local tourism this season.

Grindavik evacuated and in a state of emergency

Before this new eruption began, the authorities decided to preventively evacuate the city of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon, in response to the increase in seismic activity in the region, they have declared a state of emergency in the area. Grindavik is a city famous for its geothermal spa and the Blue Lagoon that attracts much of Icelandic tourism. Therefore, both residents and visitors should follow the instructions of the authorities and stay far enough away from areas affected by lava and gases.

Volcanic island.
The photograph was taken at 10.10 AM on 8 June, 2024 by a camera owned by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, located in Þorbjörn. It shows the lava front advancing towards Grindavíkurvegur and workers in the area closing an opening in the L1 protective barrier. Credits: IMO.

"The safety of our citizens and tourists is our primary concern," a government spokesperson said. "We are monitoring the evolution of the eruption closely and taking all necessary measures to ensure safety."

Icelandic authorities have once again declared a state of emergency in the area.

This is the fifth eruption since December 2023. Fortunately, in previous episodes no injuries have been reported, but there has been material damage. The previous eruption began in March 2024 and lasted for about eight weeks.

volcán Islandia, Grindavik, peninsula de Reykjanes
Lava flow on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland. Credits: AP.

Although the authorities are preparing for an event with similar characteristics to the previous one, with a similar estimated duration, the last word is never said when the one that controls the times and intensity is nature.

The local community and emergency services are working to bring the situation under control, in the hope that nature will take its course without causing further damage.

For this reason, IMO scientists tirelessly continue to study and monitor the situation, to provide the most accurate forecasts possible on the evolution of the eruption and its possible impact in the short and long term.

Iceland, extreme nature in all its splendour

Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula stretches along the Mid-Atlantic Fault, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates separate. Beneath its surface, there is volcanic activity and large lava fields, which only allow for sparse vegetation.

The Reykjanes Peninsula is characterised by intense geothermal and volcanic activity, it has witnessed a number of recent eruptions, highlighting the volatile nature of the region.

Since 2015, it has been part of the UNESCO geopark network, with its impressive nature, including craters, lava fields, birds and cliffs.

In addition, hot springs and sulphur sources abound near Lake Kleifarvatn and the Krýsuvík geothermal area. This region is also home to the Svartsengi geothermal plant and the Bláa lónið, an artificial lagoon used as a spa. Given the recent significant eruptions in the area, everything indicates that it will become one of the most volcanically dynamic areas on the planet for several generations.