A state of emergency has been declared in Iceland after a volcano erupted for the fourth time since December, spewing orange lava into the air. The Icelandic Meteorological Office issued a warning stating, 'An eruption began in Reykjanes.' Prior to the latest eruption, Iceland’s Civil Protection Agency had warned of an imminent eruption.
Scientists at the Icelandic Met Office had been monitoring a rise in seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula since October 24, indicating a potential volcanic eruption. Icelandic police declared a state of emergency for the area, and Civil Defense authorities dispatched a helicopter to assess the extent of the eruption.
The Blue Lagoon luxury geothermal spa, one of Iceland's top tourist destinations, closed down following the eruption. The spa announced the evacuation and temporary closure of all operational units, with plans to remain closed through Sunday, March 17.
Photos of the eruption depicted large plumes of smoke and lava around Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula. The town's residents had been evacuated since November after a series of erupting volcanoes. The evacuations were implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the residents until seismic activity subsides.
This recent eruption marks the fourth in a series that began on December 18, followed by eruptions on January 14 and February 8. Iceland, situated above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, typically experiences an eruption every four to five years. The country is home to more than 30 active volcanoes.
