Lava flows during a volcanic eruption in Iceland

A volcanic eruption in southwestern Iceland has once again prompted the evacuation of residents and the internationally renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, according to the national broadcaster RUV.

The eruption began around 4 a.m. Wednesday, following an intense seismic swarm on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of the capital, Reykjavik, Iceland’s Met Office said.

Some 100 people were evacuated from the town of Grindavik shortly after the seismic activity began. Tourists at a campsite and guests at the Blue Lagoon were forced to pack their bags quickly, RUV reported.

Margrét Kristín Pálsdóttir, a local police commissioner, stated that the evacuation proceeded smoothly and lasted approximately 90 minutes.

“Of course, people have different opinions on whether the evacuation is necessary, but it is a decision we make and take responsibility for,” she said.

Lava from the eruption is flowing southeast from a fissure in the barren landscape that is 700 to 1,000 meters (2,296 to 3,280 feet) wide, but the molten rock isn’t threatening any infrastructure, the Met Office said.

Grindavik has been repeatedly affected by the activity since November 2023, when a volcano in the area erupted after lying dormant for approximately 800 years.