Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula Rocked by Ninth Volcanic Eruption in Eight Months
Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula is once again a fiery spectacle, as the Sundhnúkur volcano erupted near the capital, Reykjavik, early this Wednesday 16 July 2025. This marks the ninth volcanic eruption in the region since December 2023 and the 12th in Iceland since 2021, signaling a dramatic reawakening of geological activity after an 800-year slumber.
Lava Spews, Blue Lagoon Evacuated
The latest eruption, which began following an intense seismic swarm, saw a fissure open up, initially estimated to be between 700 and 1,000 meters (about 765 to 1,095 yards) long, spewing lava and thick smoke into the sky. Later reports confirmed a second fissure had also formed, with the larger one stretching to approximately 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) in length.
As a safety measure, authorities swiftly evacuated people from the world-renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and the nearby town of Grindavik. This fishing town, once home to nearly 4,000 residents, has been largely abandoned since a 2023 evacuation order due to persistent threats from lava flows and frequent earthquakes. While the current lava flow is primarily heading southeast, away from critical infrastructure, officials are maintaining a close watch on the situation.
No Air Travel Chaos Expected
Unlike the infamous 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, which brought European air traffic to a standstill with its massive ash cloud, this fissure eruption is not expected to eject significant volumes of ash into the stratosphere. Consequently, operations at Keflavik Airport in Reykjavik remain undisturbed.
Experts suggest that the Reykjanes Peninsula has definitively entered a new volcanic cycle. They warn that eruptions in the region could persist for decades, or even centuries, after its prolonged period of dormancy, reshaping the landscape and challenging the resilience of local communities.
For a live, high-definition view of the ongoing eruption, you can tune into a live stream such as "Live Now: New Volcanic Eruption in Grindavik, Iceland in 4K Ultra HD (Cam B)."
