Volcano Erupts in Southwest Iceland, Poses Threat to Nearby Town

A volcano erupted in southwest Iceland, posing an immediate threat to the nearby small fishing town of Grindavik. 

The town had been evacuated earlier, and there were no reported injuries or immediate danger to people. 

Video footage showed fountains of molten rock spewing from fissures in the ground, with the bright orange lava flow contrasting against the dark sky.

Town Evacuated Twice in a Month:

Grindavik had been evacuated for the second time in a month amid fears of an imminent eruption following seismic activity. 

Authorities had built barriers to prevent lava from reaching the town, but the eruption breached the defenses. The lava flowed towards Grindavik, coming within an estimated 450 meters (1,500 feet).

Ongoing Seismic Activity in Iceland:

This eruption marks the second volcanic event on the Reykjanes peninsula in less than a month and the fifth since 2021. 

Iceland is between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, making it a seismic and volcanic hotspot. 

While the eruption does not pose a risk similar to the Eyafjallajokull eruption in 2010, authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Ongoing Monitoring and Evacuation Efforts:

Authorities in Iceland are closely monitoring the eruption, and President Gudni Johannesson assured that no lives were in danger. 

Evacuation orders have been issued as a precautionary measure. 

The Reykjanes volcanic systems, unlike others in Iceland, are not trapped under glaciers, reducing the likelihood of widespread ash clouds.