The Icelandic Meteorological and Seismological Office (MET) reported late Monday that a volcanic eruption occurred roughly 4 kilometers northeast of Grindavík, along Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption began at 22:17 GMT, just north of Grindavík, with the activity centered near Sundhnúkagígar. The eruption is visible on nearby webcams and can be tracked from multiple vantage points along the coast and the peninsula.
The MET analysis notes that the eruption followed a seismic event that started around 21:00. A Coast Guard helicopter was prepared to fly out to verify the exact location and magnitude of the eruption as part of an immediate field assessment. The initial field checks aim to determine lava pathways, eruption length, and crater formation to inform public safety decisions and emergency responses.
Preliminary measurements estimate an eruption fissure length of about 3.5 kilometers, which is notably larger than many recent eruptions in the region. Lava effusion rates are currently estimated between 100 and 200 cubic meters per second, indicating a substantial flow compared with other activity on the peninsula in recent years. These figures are subject to change as scientists continue to monitor the event from the ground and from the air.
Authorities report that the eruption began near Grindavík, a town that has already seen precautionary evacuations and heightened safety measures. Civil Defense has established a safety perimeter around the affected area to protect residents and critical infrastructure. National authorities emphasize that public safety remains the top priority as the situation develops, and responders are on standby to adjust tactics based on evolving conditions. The Icelandic president publicly stated via X that they are ready and alert, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring civil protection and rapid response if the situation changes.
Meanwhile, the official Icelandic social media channel reiterates the ongoing protective stance: the eruption near the evacuated area is being closely monitored, and the response teams are prepared to act as needed to safeguard people and property. The post also reflects the collaborative effort of national agencies to keep the public informed and prepared for possible changes on the ground.
TheForeign Affairs Minister noted that international travel and cargo corridors remained open and that no flights to or from Iceland were disrupted at this time. This reassurance helps travelers and businesses dependent on air traffic plan with greater confidence as information continues to evolve. Regular updates are being issued as meteorological and seismic data are compiled and interpreted by experts on site and in the capital’s emergency operations hub.
Seismic activity data indicate a southward shift in energy release, which suggests that the eruption could potentially propagate toward Grindavík. Scientists are watching for changes in the eruption’s behavior, including shifts in vent activity, plume height, and lava velocity. The current assessment stresses vigilance, with authorities prepared to extend areas of exclusion if necessary to protect health, safety, and property in nearby communities.
Residents and visitors in the region are advised to follow official channels for guidance, including any shelter-in-place orders or travel advisories that may be issued by Civil Defense. As with any significant volcanic event, air quality, ash dispersion, and visibility can change rapidly. Preparedness measures for households, businesses, and essential services are being reinforced by local authorities to minimize disruption and ensure resilience in the event of escalating activity.
In this landscape of natural forces, experts emphasize that Iceland’s monitoring network remains vigilant, combining ground observations, satellite data, and atmospheric measurements to produce a coherent situational picture. The coordinated effort aims to deliver timely, reliable information to the public, regional stakeholders, and international partners who may be affected by air traffic, weather patterns, or supply chains tied to Iceland’s strategic location on transatlantic routes. The public is encouraged to rely on official briefings and to stay prepared for potential changes as the eruption evolves and more data become available. [Source: Icelandic Meteorological Office; Civil Defense; Government of Iceland]