More volcanic eruptions in Iceland as tourists defy warnings

During the night leading into Thursday, Iceland experienced yet another volcanic eruption. The lava flow reached a parking lot in an evacuated tourist area, and despite barriers, tourists made their way to the edge of the lava to take photos.

A year ago, the Reykjanes Peninsula was hit by an earthquake that triggered a volcanic eruption. Since then, several eruptions have occurred, resulting in widespread evacuations, especially from the town of Grindavík and the popular Blue Lagoon spa. Although no people have been injured, the material damage caused by the eruptions so far amounts to around €538 million.

A new eruption has now occurred in the area, the seventh this year. Again, tourists from the Blue Lagoon and the few remaining residents of Grindavík were evacuated in an operation described as successful. The lava flow is said to have crossed a road near the town, affecting both electricity and hot water supplies.

Going to the edge of the lava

The lava flow continued towards the Blue Lagoon and eventually reached the parking lot in the area. According to the Icelandic state broadcaster RUV, the lava also reached a service building adjacent to the parking lot.

Although the area was cordoned off and off-limits, it was reported yesterday that tourists had entered to see the lava. They are said to have walked close to the lava edge and are described as unaware of the risks they were exposing themselves to.

“Despite cordon signs, warnings from civil defense and the fact that lava is molten, liquid, superheated rock, a number of people have, remarkably, walked right up to the edge”, writes RUV.

Rescuers were immediately alerted and evacuated the tourists from the area without any injuries.

Experts express surprise at the outbreak, describing it as “unlikely” that another one would occur now. At the same time, some scientists believe that this could be the beginning of a new volcanic period on the peninsula, which could potentially last for decades.