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By Shane Croucher
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Magma erupted from craters around Iceland's Blue Lagoon resort on Tuesday morning, forcing its evacuation and those of settlements nearby, after the volcanic island's seismologists recorded an "earthquake swarm" earlier in the day.
Live video feeds showed magma spurting from the ground during the volcanic eruption at the Sundhnúk crater series. Magma began flowing at a volcano near the town of Grindavík, where some 40 homes have been evacuated, national broadcaster RUV said.
The community, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, was largely evacuated a year ago when the volcano came to life after lying dormant for 800 years.
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"The fissure is now about 500 meters (547 yards) long and has reached through the protective barrier north of Grindavík,'' Iceland's Met Office said in a statement. "The fissure continues to grow, and it cannot be ruled out that it may continue to open further south.''
A spokesman for the Blue Lagoon resort confirmed to Newsweek that it is "temporarily closed due to magma intrusion. More information will be provided as it becomes available."
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Why It Matters
Iceland sits on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, a hotspot of geological activity where tectonic plates diverge, making the island nation particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced a resurgence in volcanic activity in recent years, ending an 800-year period of relative dormancy. The situation threatens infrastructure, tourism, and public safety in one of Iceland's most geologically unstable regions.
The Blue Lagoon is not just a geothermal spa but a cornerstone of Iceland's tourism economy. Its closure, combined with the evacuation of Grindavík, threatens to disrupt both local livelihoods and international travel plans.
What To Know
The earthquake swarm began at 6:30 a.m. local time on the Sundhnúks Crater Row, Iceland's Meteorological Office said.
"The swarm is between Sýlingarfell and Stóra-Skógfell, in a similar area seen prior to previous eruptions," the office said, adding that it was "followed by a clear change in deformation and pressure changes in boreholes."
"Both independent measurements were a clear sign of the onset of a magma intrusion," the office said.
Jóhanna Malen Skúladóttir, a natural hazards specialist at Iceland's Meteorological Office, told Visir they were monitoring the situation and it "looks like an eruption is starting."
"A lot of magma has accumulated in the magma chamber and there is, for example, more seismic activity now than before the last eruption. It could be that she is trying to find a new place to come up," Skúladóttir told the publication.
Helga Árnadóttir, a hotel manager, said that guests were woken in the morning when it became apparent that a magma shower had begun, according to the U.K. newspaper Daily Mail, adding that the evacuation went successfully.
What People Are Saying
Iceland's Meteorological Office had warned in the morning: "No magma has reached the surface as of now, but an eruption is likely to occur.''
What Happens Next
Emergency services remain on alert as scientists continue monitoring seismic and pressure data. While magma has yet to reach the surface, authorities warn that an eruption could happen with little notice. Icelandic residents and travelers have been advised to follow updates and obey evacuation instructions.
Update, 4/1/25, 6:12 a.m. ET: The article and headline were updated to reflect the start of the eruption.
Update, 4/1/25, 5:40 a.m. ET: A comment by a Blue Lagoon spokesman was added.
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
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