A volcano erupts again in Iceland: a state of emergency has been declared

In Iceland again volcano erupts/Associated Press

A state of emergency has been declared in the south of Iceland due to another volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula. This is the fourth since December 2023.

Lava has reached the eastern line of defenses around the evacuated town of Grindavik. At the same time, the lava has not yet reached the main international airport, which is located northwest of the city. This is reported by the BBC.

On March 17, the most powerful eruption in recent times took place. Video from the scene shows billowing plumes of smoke and bright magma oozing and erupting from vents in the ground.

Lava could spill into the sea, but that won't happen if volcanic activity subsides. Iceland's airspace remains open for now.

Oh wow! Incredible video of the eruption this evening in #Iceland

Kristinn Gauti Gunnarssonpic.twitter.com/9V7AS5xnmA

— Volcaholic(@volcaholic1) March 17, 2024

Iceland has 33 active volcanic systems, because it is located above the so-called Mid-Atlantic ridge – the boundary between the two largest tectonic plates on the planet. The last time volcanic activity was observed on the Reykjanes Peninsula was 800 years ago, when the eruptions continued for decades.

Now the eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula has become the seventh since 2021. Scientists assume that the territory is entering a new volcanic era lasting from tens to hundreds of years.