A new eruption began on the Reykjanes Peninsula around 6:00 on February 8. The eruption marked the sixth volcanic eruption in three years on the peninsula and the third eruption since December 18th. The fissure that opened up streched from Sundhnúkur in the south to the eastern tip of Stóra-Skógafell, almost exactly where the December 18th eruption took place. Grindavík remains fully evacuated. The Blue Lagoon, which reopened just a few weeks ago, evacuated its guests and staff this morning.

Around 11:00, lava crossed the Grindavíkurvegur road, right at the exit for the Blue Lagoon. The road is now deemed unusable for at least a couple of months.

The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management has declared an emergency level in Suðurnes due to lava damaging the hot water pipes from the Svartsengi Power Plant by the Blue Lagoon, cutting the hot water supply for all of the Reykjanes peninsula. Since the hot water is used to heat almost all the buildings on the peninsula, schools in the area have reported closures on Friday along with swimming pools.. The repair of the pipes might take at least 24 hours, and residents are encouraged to use water sparingly. Keflavík International Airport is also without hot water, but this has not disrupted the airport’s services or flight operations.

The eruption started to diminish rapidly as the day progressed. The area is currently closed with restricted access only for the media, police and those working to restore the water pipes. The Reykjavík Grapevine’s Jón Trausti Sigurðarson and Art Bicnick were among the few people allowed at the eruption site today.

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