Fiery Spectacle: Iceland's Volcano Eruption

A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted, spewing lava and smoke, prompting the evacuation of the Blue Lagoon luxury spa resort. Though the lava flow has slowed, the eruption initially produced a high output. Gas pollution warnings have been issued, and air traffic remains unaffected.

A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted on Thursday, causing lava and smoke to spew dramatically into the sky, the meteorological office reported. This forced the evacuation of the nearby Blue Lagoon luxury spa resort.

According to Rikke Pedersen, head of the Nordic Volcanological Centre, the initial eruption was marked by intense fountaining and a high output of lava, which has since slowed. The fissure in the volcano expanded from 3.9 km to 5 km during the day.

The evacuation affected approximately 1,300 guests and staff at the Blue Lagoon spa, a popular tourist destination. While gas pollution warnings are in effect, the nearby fishing town of Grindavik was not directly impacted. Air traffic at Keflavik Airport remains uninterrupted.

(With inputs from agencies.)