Volcanic Eruption Unleashes Fury in Iceland [VIDEO]

After weeks of intense earthquakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest of Iceland, a volcano has erupted. The eruption occurred north of the town of Grindavik on December 18 at 22:17 local time, as reported by Visit Iceland, citing the Icelandic Meteorological Service.

The volcanic fissure measures approximately 3.5 km in length, with lava flowing at speeds ranging from 100 to 200 cubic meters per second. This surpasses the volumes observed during previous eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in recent years, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Service.

Due to the eruption, around 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik, and the nearby geothermal resort, the Blue Lagoon, ceased its operations. The eruption is visible from Reykjavik, located approximately 42 km northeast of Grindavik. Witnesses in the capital reported that half of the sky in the direction of Grindavik was illuminated in a "red hue."

Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson emphasized the priority of preserving human life, while all possible measures will be taken to protect buildings and citizens' property.

Seismic activity in the region has been increasing since late October. Protective barriers were constructed for Grindavik in the fall to prevent lava from reaching the town. Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir has already stated that the new protective structures have shown positive results.

The volcanic system on the Reykjanes Peninsula has erupted three times since 2021, ending an 800-year period of dormancy. Previous eruptions occurred in remote valleys, causing no harm.

Overall, volcanic eruptions are not uncommon in Iceland, known as one of the most volcanically active regions on Earth with 32 active volcanic systems (considered active if they erupted at least once in the past 10,000 years). On average, such events happen on the island about once every five years, though eruptions have been recorded every year since 2021.

One of Iceland's most famous volcanoes, Eyjafjallajokull, gained international attention with its eruption in 2010, leading to the cancellation of over 100,000 flights in the Northern Hemisphere due to concerns about volcanic ash damaging aircraft engines. This resulted in millions of tourists worldwide being stranded at resorts and vacation destinations.