Masses of lava gush out of fissure - Another volcanic eruption shakes Iceland

By Steffen Trumpf, Emelie Herrmann

Reykjavik (Iceland) - Icelanders are once again holding their breath. The volcanic eruption that has been expected for weeks occurred on Tuesday morning near the fishing village of Grindavík. But this time everything seems to be different.

Another volcanic eruption has occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula, lava masses are forcing their way through a fissure in the earth.
Another volcanic eruption has occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula, lava masses are forcing their way through a fissure in the earth.  © Marco di Marco/AP/dpa

In contrast to a classic volcanic mountain, the lava gushed out of a huge fissure in the earth's surface.

The eruption had already announced itself in the morning hours with a swarm of earthquakes , whereupon the Blue Lagoon geothermal baths and the fishing village were evacuated.

Barely three quarters of an hour after the eruption began, the Icelandic weather authority declared that the fissure was up to 1200 meters long.

Only a short time later, concerns that it would spread further were confirmed, as another crack opened up near Grindavík, threatening to reach the village. The Icelandic Civil Defense Authority then declared an emergency level.

Even though the authorities explicitly called on people to leave the village, eight people decided to stay in Grindavík.

Glowing red lava has been spewing out of a fissure in the earth since Tuesday morning.
Glowing red lava has been spewing out of a fissure in the earth since Tuesday morning.  © Marco di Marco/AP/dpa

Despite breached protective wall - people not in danger

The crack spread within a very short time, so the fishing village of Grindavík had to be evacuated as quickly as possible.
The crack spread within a very short time, so the fishing village of Grindavík had to be evacuated as quickly as possible.  © Marco di Marco/AP/dpa

Even though so-called fission eruptions are nothing unusual in this region, initial signs point to an even greater natural spectacle.

According to the weather authority, the underground magma tunnel is up to eleven kilometers long. In addition, lava masses have already broken through a protective wall north of Grindavík.

It was not yet clear what impact this would have on the lava flow. However, the lava masses are not expected to pose a danger to the surrounding population. It is not yet possible to estimate how long the eruption will continue.