Iceland's volcano erupts again, spilling lava fountains

A fourth volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula since December has prompted the declaration of a state of emergency in southern Iceland. 

Residents of the little town of Grindavik, which has been severely impacted by the continuous flare-ups, are among those being requested to leave the area. 

One of the most visited tourist destinations in Iceland, the close-by Blue Lagoon, has also been evacuated. 

Icelandic airspace is still accessible. There's a massive lava spill and thick smoke. 

The eruption started on Saturday between Hagafell and Stora-Scogfell, north of Grindavik, after 20:00 local time (20:00 GMT), according to the nation's civil defense agency. 

This is the same area where the 8 December eruption started. 

Footage of the explosion showed clouds of smoke and glowing magma oozing and bubbling from vents in the earth. 

The most potent eruption to date, according to geophysicist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, who was among those who flew over the impacted areas in a helicopter and spoke to local media on Saturday. 

There are two lava tongues that are advancing south and west. The latter is believed to be able to get past the defense walls that have been built around Grindavik.  

Lava may also pour into the sea, according to Mr. Gudmundsson, however this may not occur if the volcanic activity decreases.  

The Icelandic Meteorological Agency reported that there was little warning before the eruption occurred and that preliminary measurements showed the same volume of magma was erupting as in December.  

It also mentioned that the impending poor weather would probably make it harder for it to keep an eye on things. 

Keflavik International Airport and other regional airports have not been affected by the explosion, but the Blue Lagoon is closed until further notice as a precaution. 

The roughly 4,000 residents of Grindavik were only allowed to return to their homes about a month ago after an eruption in January saw magma spread into the town, destroying three homes. 

In February, another eruption in the area led to a key water pipe bursting disrupting services to many people. 

Iceland has 33 active volcano systems and sits over what is known as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the boundary between two of the largest tectonic plates on the planet. 

The last time the Reykjanes Peninsula had a period of volcanic activity was 800 years ago and the eruptions went on for decades. 

This is now the seventh eruption since 2021, and scientists believe the area is entering a new volcanic era that could last for decades or even centuries.