A volcanic eruption has occurred in southwest Iceland, marking the second event of 2024 and the sixth eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021. The event was confirmed by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, which noted the eruption of bright-orange lava from ground fissures. This active display of nature’s power happened north of Sylingarfell, as pinpointed by the Met Office.

The Blue Lagoon Closes Doors

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a significant attraction in the area, announced its closure on Thursday due to the eruption. This follows a similar instance on January 14, which lasted around two days and led to the evacuation of nearly 4,000 residents from the Grindavik fishing town. That eruption resulted in lava flows reaching the town’s outskirts and causing damage to some houses.

Preventive Measures by Icelandic Authorities

While it was not immediately clear if the current eruption would impact Grindavik, Icelandic authorities have shown proactivity in building dykes to redirect lava flows away from residential and crucial infrastructure areas. Even with a lowered threat level, officials continue to caution about potential eruptions, with ongoing land uplift indicating subterranean magma accumulation.

Iceland’s ‘Volcano Tourism’

Iceland, which is comparable in size to the US state of Kentucky and home to over 30 active volcanoes, is known for ‘volcano tourism.’ This unique form of tourism draws numerous adventurers interested in experiencing these natural phenomena. Despite the inherent risks, the allure of witnessing the raw power of an active volcano continues to attract visitors from across the globe.

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