Iceland volcano eruption forces residents and spa tourists to be evacuated

About 100 people moved out after seismic activity on Reykjanes Peninsula

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  Lava emerges following a volcano eruption near Grindavik, Reykjanes, Iceland. EPA

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  This was the ninth eruption to hit the region since the end of 2023. AFP

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  Tourists stand next to a memorial in Keflavik, Iceland, to observe smoke from the volcano. AFP

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  Handout picture released on July 16, 2025 by the Public Defense Department of the State Police Commissioner in Iceland shows lava and smoke erupting from a volcano near Grindavik on the Icelandic peninsula of Reykjanes. A volcano erupted on Wednesday in Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest, weather authorities said, the ninth eruption to hit the region since the end of 2023. Broadcaster RUV reported that the nearby fishing village Grindavik had been evacuated, as had the Blue Lagoon, Iceland's famed tourist spot. (Photo by Icelandic Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management / Public Defense Department of the State Police / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / Public Defense Department of the State Police in Iceland" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

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  Clouds of smoke rise near Grindavik. AFP

Dramatic pictures show lava spewing into the air as a volcano erupted in south-western Iceland.

The seismic activity took place on the Reykjanes Peninsula south-west of capital Reykjavik on Wednesday at about 4am, Iceland’s Met Office said.

It forced residents and tourists at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa to be evacuated, the national broadcaster RUV reported.

About 100 people were evacuated from the nearby town of Grindavik. Tourists at a campsite and guests at the Blue Lagoon were also forced to leave, RUV reported.

Police commissioner Margret Palsdottir told AP the evacuation went smoothly and lasted about 90 minutes.

“Of course, people have different opinions on whether the evacuation is necessary, but it is a decision we make and take responsibility for,” she said.

Lava from the eruption continued to flow south-east from a fissure of 700 to 1,000 metres wide but was not threatening infrastructure, the Met Office said.

Grindavik has been affected by activity since November 2023 when a volcano came to life after lying dormant for 800 years.

Watch: Reykjanes volcano eruption in August 2024

New Icelandic volcano eruption

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