Authorities have warned of gas emissions affecting parts of the Reykjanes Peninsula, particularly the town of Grindavík, which has a population of about 3,800.

A volcanic eruption began on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland late on November 20, marking the seventh eruption since December 2023.

Professor Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson, monitoring the eruption, indicated that while Grindavík is currently safe, the situation remains unpredictable and could change.

Around 50 houses were evacuated by the Civil Protection agency, including guests at the Blue Lagoon, as lava flows threaten the area.

Experts predict that the Reykjanes Peninsula may continue to experience volcanic eruptions for decades or even centuries, given the region's geological characteristics.

The eruption has created a fissure approximately 3 kilometers long, although it is estimated to be smaller than the eruptions that occurred earlier in 2024.

While flights at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport are operating normally and crucial infrastructure remains intact, the Blue Lagoon resort evacuated its guests as a precaution.

Residents in the vicinity have been forced to relocate for safety, but officials assert that this latest eruption does not pose an immediate threat to the town of Grindavík.

This eruption was somewhat unexpected, with only minor seismic activity detected shortly before it began, contrasting with previous eruptions that had shown more significant warning signs.

Benedikt Ófeigsson from the Icelandic Meteorological Office noted that the lava effusion is lower than in past eruptions, and there is no immediate threat to infrastructure.

The eruption produced spectacular displays of bright yellow and orange lava shooting into the night sky, captivating observers and being widely shared on social media.

The Reykjanes Peninsula has entered a new phase of volcanic activity, having not experienced eruptions for eight centuries prior to March 2021, with multiple eruptions occurring since.