Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula Hit by Ninth Volcanic Eruption Since 2023

A volcano on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula erupted early Wednesday morning, marking the ninth eruption in the region since late 2023, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

The eruption began just before 4:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT), with dramatic footage from live video feeds showing lava forcefully spewing from a newly opened fissure in the ground. The Met Office confirmed the activity and said it was monitoring the situation closely.

Despite the spectacular display of nature’s power, local media reported that international air travel remained unaffected. The eruption’s location and prevailing wind conditions meant that ash dispersion was minimal, avoiding a repeat of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, which grounded flights across Europe and disrupted global travel.

Authorities have not yet issued evacuation orders, but emergency services are on standby as the volcanic activity continues to be assessed. The Reykjanes Peninsula has seen increased geological unrest in recent years, with frequent seismic activity and repeated eruptions suggesting a prolonged phase of volcanic reawakening in the region.

Written By Rodney Mbua