Iceland’s ‘Earthquake Swarm’ and Volcanic Eruptions Forces Evacuation of Tourists and Locals

A  5.2-magnitude “earthquake swarm” and lava eruptions closed a popular Icelandic tourist destination and evacuated several communities around the country’s Reykjanes Peninsula. The initial earthquake was followed by subsequent quakes of 4.9 and 4.6 near Grindavík and Vogar, respectively, according to USGS data. 

At the time of publication, there are no air travel impacts for Keflavik Airport (KEF), which is on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is less than 30 miles from Grindavik.

The popular Blue Lagoon of Iceland in Grindavík is now closed for at least two days due to the emergency. The closure will continue through at least 3:00 pm local time on April 2, but could be extended as the situation is evolving. The Blue Lagoon is also home to The Retreat Spa, which provides treatments among the geothermal springs near the volcano. 

“Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity and experiences an average volcanic event every five years,” Iceland’s Civil Protection and Emergency Management shares on its website. “Icelandic authorities and the public are highly prepared for such events, and Iceland has one of the world’s most effective volcanic preparedness measures.”

A volcano near the earthquake site was elevated to “orange” level by the government’s Meteorological office. The tier represents volcanoes that have exhibited “heightened unrest with increased likelihood of eruption or volcanic eruption is underway with no or minor ash emission.”

The orange level is one level below red, the highest level. For context, the remaining measured volcanoes are all green, or normal. 

Icelandic volcanologist Þorvaldur Þórðarson measured the highest recorded level of a magma chamber pressure, as he shared with local newspaper Iceland Monitor. “I had anticipated a more powerful eruption at the start, but this is how Mother Nature works—she is in control, and it’s her show. However, this could change at any moment,” Þórðarson told the publication.  

This volcano was reportedly dormant for 800 years before awakening in 2023.