A volcanic eruption near Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, began on Wednesday afternoon, launching jets of lava 50 meters into the air and leading to the evacuation of thousands in the surrounding area. This eruption is the fifth on the Reykjanes peninsula in six months, with the previous one occurring three weeks ago. The nearby fishing town of Grindavik, which has a population of 3,800, and the popular Blue Lagoon thermal spa were both evacuated as a precaution.
Grindavik has experienced a series of seismic events since regular eruptions began in December, with molten lava engulfing several homes in January after a giant fissure opened in the town. The latest eruption was preceded by a series of earthquakes north of Grindavik early Wednesday afternoon. Warning sirens blared throughout the town, and emergency responders assisted residents in their evacuation efforts.
