A new eruption at Iceland’s Sundhnuks Volcano causes people to evacuate
On the Reykjanes Peninsula, a new volcanic eruption occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula of Iceland in the southwest on the evening of August 21. This marks the sixth volcanic eruption in the area since December 2023, causing concern for local people and authorities.
Live video footage showed a continuous flow of lava from the Sundhnuks volcano, located near the town of Grindavik in the southern Reykjanes Peninsula. The Icelandic Meteorological Office said the volcano began erupting at 9:26 p.m. local time. Authorities are urgently evacuating all residents from Grindavik as a precautionary measure.
However, seismic activity around Sundhnuks volcano has increased since last weekend and continues to escalate. The area recorded about 110 earthquakes on August 18, a significant increase from the 60-90 earthquakes per day recorded last week.
On May 29, Sundhnuks volcano erupted and the eruption lasted until June 22, forcing all residents of Grindavik and the nearby Blue Lagoon resort to evacuate. The Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced increased seismic activity since 2021, with the first volcanic eruption in eight centuries recorded in March 2021. Further eruptions occurred in August 2021. 2022, followed by July and December 2023, led volcanologists to warn that a new era of seismic activity had begun in the region.
Iceland is home to 33 active volcanic systems, the highest number in Europe. The recent eruption at Sundhnuks is a stark reminder of the country’s volatile geological landscape and the ongoing challenges for both people and scientists.
The latest eruption of Sundhnuks volcano highlights increasing volcanic activity on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula. With multiple eruptions in recent years, the area appears to be entering a new phase of seismic activity. Icelandic authorities remain vigilant as they continue to monitor the situation, ensure public safety and prepare for potential future eruptions.
