COPENHAGEN (Reuters) — A volcano south of Iceland’s capital Reykjavik spewed smoke and lava for a second day on Thursday although at a significantly slower pace, authorities said.
The eruption, the fifth since December, was the most powerful in the area since volcanic systems on the Reykjanes peninsula became active three years ago after lying dormant for eight centuries, according to the Icelandic Met Office.
“Since yesterday afternoon, the activity at the volcanic fissure (…) has decreased significantly,” Iceland’s Met Office said in a statement on Thursday.
The fishing town of Grindavik, where only a few people have returned after several homes were destroyed by lava earlier this year, was again subject to an evacuation order, as was the nearby Blue Lagoon outdoor spa, a major tourist attraction.
Jona Runa Erlingsdottir, manager at a saltfish factory in Grindavik, was working when the eruption began on Wednesday and a siren was heard across the town.
“We only had an hour to clean up the place and get out,” Erlingsdottir told Reuters.
There were no reports of injuries following the eruption.
Keflavik airport, Iceland’s biggest, was operating as usual.