Eruption of Sunddhnuksgigar Volcano Forces Evacuations in Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland – On the morning of April 1, 2025, the Sunddhnuksgigar volcano in Iceland erupted, prompting immediate evacuations in nearby popular tourist areas due to a series of small earthquakes that paved the way for this volcanic activity.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office issued its first red alert for the region around 6 a.m. local time, indicating a high probability of an impending eruption. Lava began to flow from the Sunddhnuksgigar volcano shortly thereafter, marked by reports of a fissure approximately 500 meters long opening north of the protective barriers near the town of Grindavik. The fissure has since expanded, raising concerns about further increases in its size.

The nearby fishing town of Grindavik, home to about 40 residences, was quickly evacuated as seismic activity increased in the region. Additionally, around 200 guests at the famous Blue Lagoon hot springs were evacuated for safety precautions.

Runolfur Þorhallsson, head of the Civil Protection Agency, expressed serious concerns regarding the eruption. He referred to the event as one of the worst-case scenarios they had considered, noting its potential similarity to a previous eruption that occurred in January 2024. To assess the situation, the Coast Guard deployed helicopters to capture accurate observations of the eruption's magnitude and location. Preliminary reports suggest that the lava flow could stretch approximately 11 kilometers, marking the longest recorded since 2023. The Icelandic Meteorological Office also issued warnings regarding air quality, stating that current wind patterns might carry pollutants from the eruption toward the northeast, potentially impacting the capital region.

Iceland, known as the land of fire and ice due to its numerous glaciers and volcanoes, has seen an uptick in volcanic activity in recent years. Since March 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced ten eruptions, with the April 1 event possibly being the eleventh. Sunddhnuksgigar is situated roughly 32 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik and has erupted ten times in the past three years.

To date, the eruptions in the Reykjanes Peninsula have not directly impacted Reykjavik, with minimal ash dispersal into the stratosphere, averting significant air travel disruptions. However, the ongoing volcanic activity near Grindavik, which has a population of approximately 3,800, has led to severe damage to homes, compelling residents to evacuate for extended periods.

The dramatic volcanic landscape of Iceland is a consequence of its location along the tectonic rift between the Eurasian and North American plates, making it a significant area for seismic activity with numerous volcanoes. The most notable eruption in recent history was that of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, which spewed massive ash clouds that resulted in widespread air travel disruptions.

Iceland is home to 33 active volcanic systems, more than any other country in Europe, showcasing its unique geological features and the continuous potential for natural events such as the recent eruption of Sunddhnuksgigar.

For further updates on the volcanic activity and safety measures, please follow local news sources or the Icelandic Meteorological Office.