Iceland. A new volcanic eruption hits the Reykjanes Peninsula, the seventh in a year

A volcano erupted again on the Reykjanes peninsula, in southwest Iceland, on the night of Wednesday 20 to Thursday 21 November 2024. This is the seventh volcanic eruption in this region since last December.

Icelandic authorities had warned the population of the imminent risk of volcanic activity on the peninsula, while magma was accumulating there, adds the Reuters news agency.

No disruption to air traffic

An eruption began at Sundhnúkagígar, near Stóra Skógfell at 2314 GMT Wednesday (12:14 a.m. Thursday in Paris), the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said in a statement.

The eruptions on this peninsula, located 30 kilometers from Reykjavik, neither directly affected the Icelandic capital nor disrupted air traffic.

Sixth eruption of the year on the peninsula

The Reykjanes Peninsula had not experienced an eruption for eight centuries until March 2021, but several eruptions have occurred this year. The last one dates back to August 23.

The authorities have erected barriers to prevent lava flows from reaching the port city of Grindavik, from where most residents have had to be evacuated since the end of 2023, specifies Reuters.

Volcanologists say volcanic activity on the peninsula has entered a new era, and could continue for decades.