Overview

• A volcanic eruption began at 9:45 a.m. local time on April 1, 2025, near Grindavik on the Sundhnúksgígar crater row, following an earthquake swarm and magma intrusion earlier that morning.
• Protective barriers near Grindavik were breached by lava flows, threatening the town and nearby infrastructure, including roads and utilities.
• Authorities evacuated the fishing town of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon spa, Iceland's iconic tourist destination, as emergency responders monitor gas pollution risks.
• Despite the eruption, Reykjavik, located 40 kilometers away, and air traffic at Keflavik International Airport remain unaffected.
• Experts warn that the Reykjanes Peninsula has entered a prolonged period of heightened volcanic activity, which could reshape the region and persist for decades.