Iceland volcano erupts again, spewing lava into the sky – fifth time since December
- The eruption was the eighth on the peninsula, home to some 30,000 people, since 2021 when geological systems dormant for some 800 years became active
- Previous incidents disrupted district heating, closed roads and even razed several houses in fishing town, where only a few residents have since returned
A volcano in southwestern Iceland sent glowing hot lava shooting 50 metres into the air on Wednesday, its fifth eruption since December, shortly after an eight-week-long eruption on the same Reykjanes peninsula came to an end.
Authorities had warned of the risk of renewed volcanic activity in the area just south of the capital Reykjavik as studies showed magma accumulated underground.
“The lava fountains reach 50 metres (164 feet) high and the length of the fissure seems to be around 2.5km and growing, Iceland’s Met Office said in a statement.
Flights continued as usual at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport, according to the airport’s website.
The fiery spectacle underlines the challenges faced by the island nation of almost 400,000 people, as scientists have warned that repeated eruptions are possible in Reykjanes for decades or even centuries.
Wednesday’s was the eighth eruption since 2021 on the peninsula, home to some 30,000 people, after geological systems that had lain dormant for 800 years became active again.
