Limited Access Granted in Surrounding Areas Due to Volcanic Activity
Breaking News: Ongoing Volcanic Eruption at Litli-Hrúður on Reykjanes Peninsula
A new volcanic eruption has begun at Litli-Hrúður on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, at 4:40pm GMT on July 16, 2025. The eruption, located near Litla-Skógfell along the Sundhnúksgígar crater row, is a moderate-sized fissure eruption, approximately 700 to 1,000 meters long. Lava is flowing southeast, and some fires are affecting vegetation in the area [1][2][3][4].
This eruption marks the twelfth on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021 and the ninth in the Sundhnúksgígar system. Authorities have evacuated nearby campsites, hotels around Grindavík, and the Blue Lagoon area as a precaution, ensuring the safe relocation of all residents. Despite the volcanic gas emissions, Iceland remains safe for residents and visitors, though travelers are advised to follow safety warnings and avoid the immediate eruption zone due to risks from volcanic gases and fires [1][2][3].
The eruption site is currently experiencing significant gas pollution, and the assessment of the gas concentration is ongoing. The National Police's Civil Protection and Emergency Management Department had earlier advised the public to stay away from the eruption site, and the vicinity has been cordoned off due to the risk of poisoning from toxic volcanic gases. Geophysics professor Magnús Tumi Guðmundson is advising the National Police about the eruption, and experts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office are assessing the concentration of gases emitted from the eruption [1][2][3].
The eruption is larger than previous ones in the area and is emitting at least three times more lava than the 2021 eruption. The existing weather conditions are compounding the risk of toxic gas accumulation, making the eruption site unpredictable and having an evolving nature. The National Police's warning for the public remains in effect, and Magnús Tumi Guðmundson has urged unprotected tourists not to approach the eruption [1][2][3].
It is important to note that the toxic gas emitted from the eruption is odourless and highly dangerous when inhaled. Emergency services remain active in monitoring the situation closely, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The rest of Iceland, including major travel routes and population centers, remains unaffected and safe [1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] Iceland Monitor. (2025). Volcanic Eruption at Litli-Hrúður on Reykjanes Peninsula. Retrieved from https://www.icelandmonitor.is/news/updated/volcanic-eruption-at-litli-hrúður-on-reykjanes-peninsula/
[2] RÚV. (2025). Volcano Erupts in Iceland. Retrieved from https://www.ruv.is/english/news/volcano-erupts-in-iceland
[3] Iceland Review. (2025). Volcano Erupts on Reykjanes Peninsula. Retrieved from https://www.icelandreview.com/news/volcano-erupts-on-reykjanes-peninsula/
[4] The Reykjavik Grapevine. (2025). Volcano Erupts on Reykjanes Peninsula, No Disruption to Flights. Retrieved from https://grapevine.is/news/2025/07/16/volcano-erupts-on-reykjanes-peninsula-no-disruption-to-flights/
- The ongoing volcanic eruption at Litli-Hrúður poses a risk from poisoning due to toxic volcanic gases, especially in the immediate eruption zone, necessitating public warnings and safety precautions.
- The moderately-sized fissure eruption at Litli-Hrúður, part of the Sundhnúksgígar system, could impact local weather conditions and potentially pose health risks related to medical conditions and health-and-wellness, particularly due to the odourless and highly dangerous gases emitted.
- Nature, as demonstrated by the volcanic eruption at Litli-Hrúður, is an integral part of environmental science and its influences on weather patterns, vegetation, and the overall health of the ecosystem must be closely monitored and assessed.
- This latest eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the twelfth since 2021, attracts the attention of scientists from various fields, including geophysics and meteorology, necessitating further research and understanding in both environmental science and medicine to better manage and mitigate its effects.
