Iceland's iconic Blue Lagoon, a popular tourist attraction in the country for its hot springs and unique geothermal environment, has temporarily closed its doors in anticipation that the seismic swarm that has hit the Reykjanes peninsula for several weeks will lead to a volcanic eruption on the island. . The decision has been made after some 1,400 small earthquakes have been detected in the last 24 hours, as can be seen in the data provided by the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
The Reykjanes Peninsula has been on alert since October 25 after recording nearly 22,000 earthquakes in recent months, mostly concentrated in southwest Iceland. The "uncertainty phase" warning issued by the civil protection agency highlights the possibility of potential threats to the population and the environment. The Icelandic Meteorological Office detected a magnitude 5.0 earthquake, the largest since the start of this activity, in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic area, about 30 kilometers from Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported on November 9 that in the last 24 hours nearly 1,400 earthquakes had been recorded. The entity added that a seismic movement of magnitude 4.8 had been recorded, the strongest since the beginning of the activity. It occurred west of Mount Porbjörn. This triggered seven additional events of magnitude 4 or greater in the following hours. Although the accumulation of magma persists, the entity emphasized that there are no immediate signs of volcanic eruptions.
Although local authorities have not yet ordered evacuations, teams have been sent to the town of Grindavik, a fishing town that is home to approximately 3,600 inhabitants, to prepare for any eventuality, and are monitoring the underground accumulation of magma near the town.
Recent geological history highlights that the Reykjanes Peninsula was dormant for 800 years before the 2021 eruption, and despite eruptions recorded in 2021, 2022 and 2023, the region maintains a constant state of alert due to its historical volcanic activity.
Blue Lagoon announced the closure due to the swarm of earthquakes that hit the region. However, it remains in close communication with both scientists and civil services as it faces this phase of geological uncertainty. The measure seeks not only to protect visitors but also to contribute to coordination with the authorities in case of evolution in the seismic situation.
"The primary reason for taking these precautionary measures is our unwavering commitment to safety and well-being," the establishment said in a statement. "Our goal is to mitigate any disruption to our guests' experiences and alleviate sustained pressure on our employees," he added.
"During this time, Blue Lagoon Iceland will carefully monitor seismic developments, in cooperation with local authorities, and will reassess the situation as necessary," he concluded. The reopening of the Blue Lagoon, scheduled for November 16, will depend on the evolution of the situation and the constant monitoring of the authorities.
