A new volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland has forced the evacuation of the Blue Lagoon spa and the small fishing town of Grindavik. The eruption, originating from a fissure near Sundhnuksgigar on the Reykjanes Peninsula, is the fifth in the area since December. The fissure, now over 2.5 km long, continues to grow.

Grindavik Mayor Fannar Jónasson expressed concern about the significant lava flow heading toward the town, which is larger than in recent eruptions. As a precaution, power has been cut off to Grindavik by energy provider HS Veitur. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency and strongly urged all remaining residents to evacuate. Currently, all but one road leading into Grindavik is inaccessible.

Footage from the eruption site shows a dramatic scene of molten rock shooting up to 50 meters high and massive plumes of ash blanketing the sky. Natural history cinematographer Benjamin Hardman, who was near the eruption site, described the situation as “totally surreal.”

The Svartsengi power plant, essential for providing electricity and water to the region, has also been evacuated. Barriers have been erected around key facilities, including the Blue Lagoon and Grindavik, to protect them from lava flows.

Despite the volcanic activity, Keflavik International Airport remains operational and does not anticipate disruptions. Intense earthquake activity was reported before the eruption, and scientists had been expecting it.

Most of Grindavik’s 4,000 residents were evacuated last November, following previous eruptions that caused significant damage, including lava flows into the town’s streets. Some residents had since returned to safer neighborhoods.

Iceland, located over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is entering a new volcanic era with frequent eruptions since 2021, potentially lasting for decades or centuries.