A volcanic eruption has begun on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the fourth in three years.
A state of emergency has been declared following an earthquake swarm which began at around 21:00 (9PM) this evening, resulting in a volcanic eruption just north of the town of Grindavík, at an area called Sundhnúkur on the Reykjanes peninsula.
The Icelandic Met Office says the eruption itself started at 22:17 (10:17 PM). The length of the volcanic fissure is estimated to be around 4,000 meters, which is much larger than the previous eruptions of the past few years.
Luckily, the town of Grindavík remains empty of residents following an evacuation order a month ago, as an eruption in the area has been expected for several weeks now, following intense earthquake activity in early November.
Volcanologist Þorvaldur Þórðarson says in an interview with local news MBL that “at first glance, it appears to be one of the worst-case scenarios. The eruption seems to be just above Grindavík.”
“This is perhaps close to being the worst-case scenario one can imagine [for the town]. Unfortunately.”
The eruption can be seen in the following live webcams:
Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir has said her thoughts are with the local community and she was hoping for the best despite the “significant event”. She added that lava defenses which have recently began being constructed should have a positive effect at directing lava flow away from the town, should it flow south.
We will be updating you on this breaking news story as we get more information.
