NEW DELHI: The world-famous
Blue Lagoon
has been evacuated from
Iceland
due to nearby
seismic activity
that indicates a possible "imminent"
volcanic eruption
, as reported by CNN.
The magma is now flowing after "intense seismic activity" in the vicinity of the lagoon, a renowned geothermal spa famous for its soothing milky-blue warm waters, as reported by RUV.
The depth of the magma, around four kilometers (2.5 miles), means an eruption could occur within hours, according to a volcanologist Thorvaldur Thordarson.
The nearby town of Grindavik is also being evacuated, CNN reported.
The police reported that the evacuation was progressing smoothly, with only a few residents in the town in recent days.
On its website, Blue Lagoon said that it had started evacuating its premises due to "increased seismic activity in a known area, a few kilometers away."
CNN further reported that operations would remain closed until at least the end of Saturday, pending a reassessment of the situation.
"We will continue to closely follow the guidelines and recommendations of the authorities, working collaboratively with them to monitor the progression of events," the statement added.
The iconic Blue Lagoon is situated less than an hour's drive from Iceland's capital and largest city, Reykjavik, and is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.
It is located on the
Reykjanes Peninsula
in southwest Iceland, extending west into the North Atlantic Ocean from Reykjavik.
Moreover, the Blue Lagoon, the peninsula is home to Iceland's main airport, Keflavik International.
Iceland, reportedly one of the most active volcanic areas globally according to CNN, saw the Blue Lagoon closed for a week last November due to 1,400 earthquakes measured in a 24-hour period.
(With agency inputs)
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