What to know about Iceland’s current evacuation orders

Evacuation orders were issued in in southwestern Iceland in the early hours of Wednesday during a period of heavy seismic activity moments before the eruption.

Grindavík Town

Authorities issued an evacuation order for the town of Grindavík at 4 a.m. local time near the Sundhnúkur crater row. Over 100 residents and visitors were evacuated in under 90 minutes, according to local officials.

Blue Lagoon Spa and its surrounding areas

The famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, along with nearby campsites, were also evacuated as a precaution. Lava flows are currently heading toward uninhabited terrain, posing no immediate threat to infrastructure.

What to know about Iceland’s volcanos

Iceland sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are drifting apart. This rift runs straight through the island and causes frequent volcanic and seismic activity. Additionally, Iceland is fueled by a hotspot (a mantle plume), creating extra heat and magma beneath the surface—similar to Hawaii.

Iceland has about 130 volcanic mountains, many of which are still active. The country is divided into several volcanic zones:

• Reykjanes Peninsula (including Grindavík and Fagradalsfjall): Reawakened in 2021 after more than 800 years of dormancy.
• Hekla: One of the most active in Iceland, with over 20 eruptions in recorded history.
• Katla: Powerful and closely monitored, located under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
• Eyjafjallajökull: Famously erupted in 2010, disrupting global air travel.
• Askja, Bárðarbunga, and Grímsvötn: Large central volcanoes in Iceland’s interior, often under glaciers.

Thanks to its many volcanos, Iceland is a world leader in volcanic monitoring. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) and University of Iceland closely track seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation using GPS networks, seismometers, drones and satellite imagery.

Hazard map shows areas most at risk from Iceland eruption

How many eruptions have there been in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula?

Wednesday’s dramatic eruption is the 12th eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021.

The Sundhnukur volcano eruption is also the ninth in the area since December 2023. The Sundhnukur crater lies between the town of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon spa.

In November 2023, an eruption sparked the evacuation of Grindavik, which at the time had nearly 4,000 residents. It was the first time in around 50 years that an entire town had to be cleared during an eruption in Iceland.

Grindavik has remained more or less empty since the 2023 evacuation.

Ex-Icelandic president shares image of eruption

Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, the former president of Iceland until 2016, has shared an aerial image of the Sundhnukur eruption.

“The creation of the Earth is still going on in Iceland,” he said in a post on X on Wednesday.

What is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a world-famous geothermal spa located in a lava field near Grindavík, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík.

Its milky blue waters are rich in silica, algae, and minerals, giving the lagoon its distinctive color and reputed skin-healing properties. Originally formed from the runoff of the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant, it has been open to the public since 1987 and has become one of Iceland’s top attractions.

The spa is especially popular for its unique setting—surrounded by black volcanic rock and often enjoyed while snow falls or the Northern Lights dance overhead. Its proximity to Keflavík Airport makes it a convenient stop for travelers entering or leaving Iceland.

The combination of wellness, striking visuals, and accessibility has earned it global acclaim, drawing tourists, celebrities, and wellness seekers from around the world. It’s also inspired its own skincare line and remains a symbol of Icelandic innovation and natural beauty.

WATCH: Drone footage captures lava lighting up the sky over Iceland

Massive toxic gas cloud moving towards airport after eruption

A huge cloud of sulfur dioxide gas is heading towards Iceland’s international airport after Wednesday’s volcanic eruption.

The NIH warns that short-term exposure to high levels of sulfur dioxide can be life-threatening, with symptoms that can include corrosive damage to the airways and lungs, as well as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain.

At lower levels, exposure can cause nose and throat irritation.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office reports that the cloud is being driven north towards the town of Keflavik. The officer reports that a change in wind conditions on Thursday is likely to take the cloud directly over Iceland’s main airport, Keflavík International.

Residents are urged to closely monitor the air quality and move from the area if they begin to experience symptoms.

Lava flowing from around 3,000ft fissure in the landscape

Lava from the Grindavik eruption is flowing out of a giant fissure which is around 2,296 to 3,280 feet wide.

The flow is not set to impact any infrastructure on its current course, Iceland’s Met Office said.

Local police commissioner, Margrét Kristín Pálsdóttir, told the Associated Press that the surrounding areas had been evacuated in under 90 minutes since the eruption began.

“Of course, people have different opinions on whether the evacuation is necessary, but it is a decision we make and take responsibility for,” she said.

WATCH: Incredible lava flows in Iceland as Grindavik erupts

Flights continue as normal at Iceland’s Keflavík airport

The eruption has not yet had an impact on flights at Iceland’s Keflavík International Airport.

The airport is running as normal with no major delays or cancelations reported despite the lava flows.