A volcano has erupted on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, leading to the evacuation of the town of Grindavik and the popular Blue Lagoon spa. The eruption commenced at around 6:30 AM local time on April 1, following an intense series of earthquakes that indicated a potential volcanic outbreak was imminent. The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported that the fissure opened significantly, extending to approximately 1,200 meters and spewing lava and smoke.

Emergency services acted swiftly, evacuating around 40 homes in Grindavik, a town that has faced repeated evacuations over the past year due to volcanic activity. Despite the urgency, a handful of residents chose to remain, familiar with the escape routes though advised to leave the area. The town, known for its fishing community, has approximately 4,000 residents, many of whom had been evacuated back in late 2023 preceding similar eruptions.

The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland's major tourist attractions, was also closed as a precautionary measure. The region, marked by a history of volcanic activity, has seen a resurgence of eruptions since March 2021, an event that had not occurred for over 800 years.

Webcams captured dramatic scenes of molten rock and smoke pouring from the fissure, with authorities emphasizing that while the eruption presents a danger, air traffic has not been disrupted thus far. The Icelandic government continues to monitor the situation closely, given the repeated geological events in the area and the potential for ongoing activity.

Geologists have expressed that Iceland is entering a new phase of geological activity, bringing a series of fissure eruptions that could last for decades. Visitors and residents alike remain vigilant as the situation develops, marking another chapter in the island's dynamic geological history. Those interested can follow updates from local authorities and meteorological offices for the latest information on the eruptions.

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