Another volcanic eruption in Iceland: two dead and 34 missing in a shipping accident off the coast of Tunisia

For the fourth time in four months, a volcano has erupted in the same region of Iceland. The bright red eruption near the coastal town of Grindavík could be seen from the northeastern capital Reykjavik, photos on broadcaster RUV’s website showed on Saturday evening. The Blue Lagoon tourist attraction was immediately evacuated. A few residents who had since returned to Grindavík would also be taken out of the city again just to be safe. There is currently no danger to humans, the report said.

Scientists tried to get a picture of the situation from a helicopter. The eruption was again heralded by strong seismic activity. Experts counted about 80 earthquakes. The length of the crack in the Earth was initially unknown. Rescue workers complained about tourists who had traveled to the region for sensationalism.

Grindavík is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 55 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik. There have been four volcanic eruptions on the peninsula since mid-December, and in one in January, lava even covered three houses on the northern reaches of the town of 4,000. The future of the community is uncertain. The government has already presented a bill that would give residents the opportunity to sell their homes to a state-owned company. (sda/dpa)