Iceland Volcano Erupts Without Immediate Danger to Populations

Iceland's Sundhnukur crater erupted early Wednesday, marking its 12th eruption in just four years, while leaving surroundings unharmed.

On July 16, 2025, Iceland experienced a volcanic eruption near Reykjavik from the Sundhnukur crater, which has become an increasingly active site, erupting 12 times in four years. The latest eruption occurred at approximately 3:56 a.m. local time, releasing clouds of gray smoke and a small amount of lava. However, Gisli Olafsson, secretary general of the Icelandic Red Cross, assured that no immediate danger to people or infrastructure existed.

Prior to the eruption, the Icelandic authorities took precautionary measures, evacuating nearby communities including Grindavik, a fishing village located 25 miles southwest of Reykjavik, as well as the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa situated to the north of Grindavik. While it remains unclear if the Blue Lagoon was closed this time, past eruptions had led to its temporary shutdown.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office, monitoring the event, reported that the eruptive fissure extended about half a mile, with lava primarily flowing southeast, away from human settlements. Luckily, no reports of damage or injuries have arisen in the aftermath of the eruption.

As weather forecasts indicate southeasterly winds, there is the potential for gas clouds from the volcano to drift toward the main international airport, which is about 20 miles northwest of Grindavik. However, up as of 6:30 a.m. local time, flight operations at the airport were described as unaffected by the volcanic activity.

Historically, Iceland has experienced volcanic eruptions every three to four years, but the last four years have seen a marked increase in activity at the Svartsengi volcanic system, emphasizing its growing geological dynamism.