Grindavík

Second Volcanic Eruption in a Month Forces Iceland to Evacuate Again

A second volcanic eruption in less than a month occurred near Grindavík, Iceland, on Sunday at 8 a.m., forcing evacuation. Two cracks formed; the first was 450 meters from the city and diverted by barriers, but a second crack near the town's edge sent lava covering at least three houses. President Guðni Jóhannesson said no lives were in immediate danger but infrastructure is threatened. The alert level was raised to emergency. This is the fifth eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021. About 3,800 residents were evacuated, with over 100 returning before the latest eruption. Sheep remain in pens and need rescue. The Svartsengi geothermal plant is being monitored. A search for a man who fell into a crack was called off due to risk.