Guests enjoying the waters of the Blue Lagoon. The water’s milky blue hue is due to its high silica content.
Icelandic authorities evacuated visitors and staff from the island nation’s famed Blue Lagoon after nearby seismic activity suggested that a volcanic eruption is “imminent,” public broadcaster RÚV reported.
The renowned geothermal spa, located on the Blue Lagoon, Norðurljósavegur in a lava field near Grindavík and in front of Mount Þorbjörn, has seen a series of closures in recent months amidst a wave of seismic activity that continues to affect the country.
Located on a rift between tectonic plates, Island is one of the most active volcanic areas on the planet. Reykjanesskagi, or the Southern Peninsula, is dominated by a rift valley, with lava fields and cones.
RÚV reported that lava began to flow after “intense seismic activity” near where the Blue Lagoon is situated.
Much of Iceland’s surface comprises volcanic ash.
Over the weekend, a statement posted on the Blue Lagoon’s website said: “Due to increased seismic activity in a known area, a few kilometers away from Blue Lagoon, and our unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our valued guests and staff, we initiated an evacuation of our premises today.”
The spa remained closed Saturday and all of Sunday but a new statement on the website indicates it will reopen on Monday.
In November of last year, the Blue Lagoon experienced 1,400 earthquakes in 24 hours, causing the lagoon to close while rattling the nerves of resort guests. Officials soon thereafter issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents of the nearby coastal town of Grindavík.
Located on the southwest Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula – a thick finger of land pointing west into the North Atlantic Ocean – the Blue Lagoon is roughly 31 miles (50 km) from Reykjavík. The peninsula is also home to the country’s main airport, Keflavík International.
The U.S. government issued Volcano Alerts, in which it warned of the increased signs of volcanic activity, over past eruptions but the alert issued in February appeared to cover the current eruption.
“If an eruption occurs, follow the instructions of Icelandic authorities,” the alert read. “Volcanic hazards may include lava, toxic gases, and heavy smoke from fires ignited by lava.”
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
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