A volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland erupted late on 20 November 2024, marking the latest in a series of eruptions that have gripped the region. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), this is the seventh eruption since December, coinciding with a period of heightened seismic activity.
Details of the Eruption
The eruption took place at the Sundhnuksgigar volcanic fissure, just outside the small fishing town of Grindavik, at 2314 GMT (7.14am Singapore time on 21 November). Live footage broadcasted from the scene showed spectacular fountains of lava gushing from the fissure.
Impact on Local Communities
- Grindavik, home to nearly 4,000 residents, has been evacuated as a precaution.
- Authorities have constructed barriers to redirect lava flow away from the town and essential infrastructure, including a nearby power station and the famous Blue Lagoon spa.
- Despite the eruptions, the capital city Reykjavik, located about 30km away, has not faced any immediate threat.
Geological Context
Iceland is situated on the boundary of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, making it a hotspot for volcanic and seismic activity. The region has seen an uptick in volcanic activity since 2021, after being dormant for 800 years.
Scientists indicate that the Reykjanes Peninsula may experience periodic eruptions for decades to come. However, experts note that these eruptions are not expected to lead to the same level of disruption as the infamous Eyjafjallajokull eruption in 2010, which wreaked havoc on air traffic across Europe.