Iceland volcano – live: Footage shows lava flowing towards Grindavik in ‘most powerful’ eruption so far

Fourth eruption threatens Grindavik infrastructure as authorities warn of ‘dangerous’ consequences if lava flows reach sea

Iceland volcano's powerful lava flows engulf peninsula amid fourth eruption in three months

Iceland has experienced its most powerful volcano eruption since December last year on the Reykjanes Peninsula, spewing bright orange lava high into the air.

The eruption has sent fountains of molten rock soaring from a 3km long fissure, with lava now flowing just a few hundred metres from Grindavik, which was first evacuated back in November.

Geophysicist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson was quoted by Icelandic broadcaster RUV as saying this latest eruption is the most powerful so far.

The powerful lava stream has threatened the region’s main water pipe and is just 200m away, the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) said.

The water pipe is close to the Svartsengi power plant, a geothermal power plant that provides hot water to most of the peninsula.

The IMO head warned of “dangerous” consequences of lava possibly reaching the sea if it flows southward.

Residents of the fishing town of Grindavik have once again been evacuated from the area, having received text messages telling them to leave with just a few minutes notice.

Key Points

• Iceland volcano erupts for fourth time since December
• Lava close to Svartsengi plant but power remains uninterrupted
• New map shows danger zone if lava reaches sea

[18 March 2024 05:15 · Shweta Sharma]

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the Iceland volcano eruption, the fourth on the Reykjanes Peninsula since December.