Geothermal Spa in Iceland Shuts Amid Earthquake Fears

Reykjavik, Iceland - The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland's most renowned geothermal spas, has temporarily closed its doors following a series of approximately 1,400 earthquakes within 24 hours on the Reykjanes peninsula. This seismic activity has raised concerns about a potential volcanic eruption in the area.

The closure, announced on Thursday, comes after a particularly strong earthquake struck just after midnight, followed by around 800 smaller tremors. The seismic events caused panic among guests, with reports of around 40 people hastily leaving the resort overnight. The tremors also led to rockfalls on the road leading to the hotel.

The Blue Lagoon management made the decision to close for a week as a proactive measure, citing the disruption to guests and the ongoing stress on employees. The resort plans to monitor the seismic activity closely over the coming days and will reassess the situation accordingly.

The Reykjanes peninsula has been under close observation since October 25, when a period of seismic unrest began, prompting Iceland's civil protection agency to issue an "uncertainty phase" warning. This alert level indicates an ongoing event that could pose a threat to people, property, and the environment.

Since October 25, approximately 22,000 earthquakes have been recorded in the region, predominantly in southwest Iceland. The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported about 800 earthquakes since midnight on the day of the closure, and 1,400 in the past 24 hours. While there are no immediate signs of a volcanic eruption, continued seismic activity is expected.

The largest quake on the night of the closure, recorded by the Icelandic Met Office, had a magnitude of 4.8 near Mt Þorbjörn, the most significant since the start of the seismic activity in late October. There were seven subsequent larger earthquakes, all with magnitudes above 4.

Officials have stated that while magma accumulation continues, increased seismic activity is likely on the Reykjanes peninsula. The recent larger earthquakes do not necessarily indicate a faster rate of magma accumulation, but they are a sign of the ongoing seismic activity that can be expected during this period.

The department of civil protection and emergency management has also announced an evacuation plan for Grindavík, a town near the Blue Lagoon, in case of a volcanic eruption or major earthquake. This plan includes designated escape routes out of the town.

The situation remains under close watch, with authorities and the Blue Lagoon management taking necessary precautions to ensure public safety and minimize disruption.