In a remarkable display of nature's power, a volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted for the fifth time since December, spewing streams of red hot lava and prompting the evacuation of the renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. The eruption, which occurred on Wednesday, followed a series of earthquakes near the coastal town of Grindavik, home to 3,800 residents.

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, a fissure stretching approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) released lava shooting up to 50 meters (165 feet) into the sky, with the molten material flowing towards Grindavik. This latest eruption posed a threat to the town, which was partially evacuated in December due to an earlier volcanic activity. In subsequent eruptions in February and March, the defensive walls were breached and several structures were engulfed.

Grindavik, located roughly 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of the capital city Reykjavik, has been continuously on edge since a series of earthquakes in November led to the initial eruption on December 18. The region is part of the Svartsengi volcanic system, which had remained dormant for nearly 800 years before awakening again. The previous eruptions resulted in significant disruptions, including the severing of a pipeline, cutting off heat and hot water to thousands.

Despite Iceland's geographical position atop a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, the country is well-prepared to manage such occurrences. In recent history, the most disruptive eruption took place in 2010 when the Eyjafjallajokull volcano unleashed massive clouds of ash, leading to widespread airspace closures across Europe.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the current eruption is not expected to pose a risk to air travel, as stated by Guðjón Helgason, the press officer with airport operator ISAVIA, as reported by national broadcaster RUV.

As Iceland continues to experience periodic volcanic activities, authorities remain vigilant and closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors alike.