A volcanic eruption in Southwestern Iceland forced the evacuation of a nearby town and the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on Wednesday, July 16. Media images captured huge plumes of smoke and glowing lava flows spewing from an enormous crack in Earth’s surface roughly 30 miles (18.6 miles) southwest of Reykjavík.

A volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland has prompted evacuations, including at nearby tourist sites like the Blue Lagoon.

The Sundhnúkur volcano eruption - the ninth since December 2023 - sparked evacuations of the Blue Lagoon Iceland, a campsite and other buildings in Grindavík, a fishing town

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has now updated its guidance on travel to the country. It warned travellers that more eruptions are ‘likely’ and advised them to closely follow local media for any further updates. This is the ninth time the volcano has erupted since December 2023.