Iceland volcano eruption LIVE: Families and tourists evacuated as Sundhnúkur spews lava

A senior geophysicist has said the latest volcanic eruption in south-west Iceland is “not a major event” – but warned that the situation could change.

Benedikt Ófeigsson, from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, said the eruption involved only a small volume of lava and there were no signs of intensifying tremors.

He added that while seismic activity was ongoing, it had not shown significant escalation.

However, he cautioned that developments could unfold rapidly.

Air quality warnings have been issued in south-west Iceland after the latest volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Gas pollution is drifting northwest towards the towns of Vogar and Reykjanesbær, prompting authorities to advise residents to shut windows and check updates online.

While lava flows remain concentrated to the southeast and pose no immediate threat to Reykjavik, the risk to local communities persists.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office is providing regular pollution forecasts and safety guidance.

Experts say eruptions in the region could continue for decades, reshaping the landscape and daily life.

The Sundhnukur volcano has erupted once again in south-west Iceland, the country’s meteorological office confirmed on Wednesday, marking the latest in a string of eruptions near the capital since 2021.

The Reykjanes Peninsula, dormant for centuries, has now recorded around a dozen volcanic events since its geological systems reawakened.

These outbreaks are known as fissure eruptions—lava escapes through long cracks in the Earth’s crust rather than exploding from a central crater.

Iceland, often dubbed the land of ice and fire, continues to grapple with the hazards and unpredictability of this renewed volcanic activity.

The Sundhnukur volcano, located on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, has erupted multiple times since December, marking a dramatic reawakening after centuries of dormancy.

These eruptions are part of a new volcanic cycle in the region, driven by magma accumulating beneath the Earth's surface and breaking through weakened crust.

Unlike explosive eruptions seen elsewhere, Sundhnukur typically produces fast-moving lava flows that can damage infrastructure but pose less threat from ash.

The nearby town of Grindavík has been repeatedly evacuated due to the lava's path, and defences have been built to protect key sites like the Svartsengi power plant. Scientists believe this pattern of frequent eruptions could continue for years, reshaping both the landscape and how people live in the area.

Sundhnukur is roughly 150 metres tall, formed along a volcanic fissure system.

It is part of the larger Reykjanes Volcanic Zone, which lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Its last known eruption before 2023 was over 800 years ago, during a major volcanic period.

Unlike cone-shaped volcanoes, it erupts through cracks in the ground, often without warning.

The Sundhnukur volcano sits on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula and has entered a new period of volcanic unrest after being dormant for over 800 years.

The recent eruptions are driven by shifting tectonic plates and rising magma, with repeated lava flows threatening nearby communities like Grindavík.

These are fissure eruptions—less explosive but highly destructive due to fast-moving lava.

Experts warn the region may experience ongoing eruptions for years as the volcanic system reactivates.

A statement by the Icelandic Meteorological office has been released:

"An eruption has begun. The source is southeast of Litla-Skógfell. It is in a similar area to the crater that was most active during the eruption in August.

"At this point in time, seismic activity has been highest in the area from Litla-Skógfell in the north to Sundhnúk in the south.

"Based on the seismic activity, the magma tunnel that has formed is 6.5 km long. For comparison, the magma tunnel that formed in the last event was about 20 km long.

"Over the past 15 minutes, seismic activity has increased slightly, and some of the tremors are moving closer to the surface. This could be evidence that magma is trying to break through to the surface."

We'll be bringing you live updates about the eruption of the Sundhnukur volcano.