Tourists Flee Iceland's Blue Lagoon as Earthquakes Spark Volcanic Eruption Concerns

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ICARO Media Group
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09/11/2023 23h16

In a stunning turn of events, tourists have been hastily leaving Iceland's renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa following a series of earthquakes that struck the area. Concerns over a potential volcanic eruption prompted the spa's temporary closure, leaving visitors in a state of alarm.

The Blue Lagoon Resort and Spa, in a proactive move, announced on their website that operations would be suspended for one week, beginning on Thursday and running until November 16. This decision was made despite no official elevation in the current level of uncertainty by authorities during the ongoing seismic activity.

According to reports from the Icelandic newspaper Vikurfrettir, at least 40 guests were seen hastily departing the resort, jumping into taxis, clearly rattled by the sudden closure. The Blue Lagoon, a standout attraction on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula, draws an estimated 700,000 tourists and visitors each year, making it one of the country's most iconic destinations.

The Reykjanes peninsula has been rocked by a staggering 1,400 earthquakes in a span of just 24 hours, notes the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Local media describes this seismic activity as an "earthquake swarm," which is believed to be a continuation of a series of similar quakes that occurred last month.

Further concerns arise from the fact that these earthquakes have resulted in an accumulation of magma underground, approximately 3.1 miles below the surface, as reported by AFP. Should this magma migrate towards the surface, the potential for a volcanic eruption looms.

Iceland, known as "The Land of Ice and Fire," has witnessed multiple volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in recent years. However, all the eruptions thus far have occurred in uninhabited areas, according to AFP.

The Blue Lagoon Spa, while acknowledging the ongoing seismic developments, has reassured visitors that they will carefully monitor the situation and evaluate it as necessary. The safety and well-being of guests remain a top priority for the spa.

As the uncertainty surrounding the volcanic situation persists, tourists and locals alike are left to ponder the fate of the beloved Blue Lagoon and the impact it may have on Iceland's tourism industry. Authorities are closely monitoring the seismic activity, ready to respond should the need arise.

In the meantime, visitors to Iceland's Blue Lagoon are advised to stay updated with the latest developments and exercise caution until the volcanic eruption concerns have been thoroughly addressed.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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