Urgent volcano warning for Iceland as tourists are evacuated from Blue Lagoon spa ()
<iframe frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://www.gbnews.com/res/scraper/embed/?video_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmm-v2.simplestream.com%2Fiframe%2Fplayer.php%3Fkey%3D3Li3Nt2Qs8Ct3Xq9Fi5Uy0Mb2Bj0Qs%26player%3DGB003%26uvid%3D52356815%26type%3Dvod%26viously_id%3D1PDtd0V3Rwh" width="100%"></iframe><br/><p class="">A volcano has erupted to the south of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, triggering evacuations of tourists and residents in the area.</p><p>Emergency services evacuated the nearby Blue Lagoon luxury spa just hours before the eruption after a warning from geologists.</p><h3></h3><br/><p><br/></p><p>The outbreak penetrated protective barriers close to the fishing town of Grindavik.</p><p>Most houses in Grindavik have stood empty for over a year, though some residents have returned following previous eruptions.</p><h3></h3><br><img alt="Volcanic eruption in Iceland" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c2fc34c2113784d2bb929dd64fd3beb7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="157ca" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/volcanic-eruption-in-iceland.jpg?id=59772363&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-latest"></div><p><br/>Head of the Nordic Volcanological Center Rikke Pedersen said: "There is lava coming within the barrier at the moment, but it's a very limited eruption so far."</p><p>He noted the current outbreak was similar in size to an eruption from January 2024, with the eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula not directly affecting the capital.</p><p>The eruption has also not caused significant dispersal of ash into the stratosphere, allowing air traffic to continue without disruption.</p><p>The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) alerted Britons to the eruption.</p><h3></h3><br><div class="embed-dontmiss"></div><p>The FCDO said: "Recently, there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the latest on April 1. These have affected the town of Grindavik and the area to the north of it. </p><p>"Keflavik International Airport and the road to it are unaffected and operating normally. The capital city, Reykjavik, and the rest of Iceland are not affected by these recent eruptions. It is likely there will be further eruptions in this location."</p><p><span></span>The FCDO told people to "monitor local media for updates" and to follow the authorities' advice when travelling around the area.</p><p>It added: "The Government of Iceland monitors any seismic and volcanic activity closely, but not all events can be anticipated and can pose risks to your travel plans."</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-mostread"></div><p><strong>LATEST DEVELOPMENTS</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/travel-warning-africa-namibia-new-visa-requirements" target="_self">Britons face new entry requirements and fees in tourist-favourite African destination - from today</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/travel-warning-passport-price-hike-rules" target="_self">Britons warned of new passport rules that could 'catch you off guard' as prices to rise next week</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/travel-warning-australia-encephalitis-health-risks-mosquitos" target="_self">New North American travel route from major UK airport set to launch this summer</a></li></ul><h3></h3><br/><img alt="View of the Blue Lagoon" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f31e752bec0263aa13ac679b6c977126" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="8d1b4" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/view-of-the-blue-lagoon.jpg?id=59772666&width=980"/><p>The North Atlantic island nation has experienced regular volcanic activity since 2021. The reactivation of these geological systems came after they had been dormant for about 800 years.</p><p>Holidaymakers have also been <a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/travel-warning-australia-encephalitis-health-risks-mosquitos" target="_blank">alerted to new risks as Australia sees an outbreak of a "fatal" brain infection spread by mosquitoes.</a></p><p>The FCDO advised holidaymakers to consult TravelHealthPro, which has provided key information on two recent outbreaks.</p><p>A second "fatal" case of Japanese encephalitis has been reported in New South Wales, while three cases of Murray Valley encephalitis have emerged in Western Australia.</p></br></br>
