Icelandic authorities evacuate tourist attraction 'Blue Lagoon'

(Patria) - Icelandic authorities have evacuated the famous tourist attraction "Blue Lagoon" due to nearby seismic activity indicating an imminent volcanic eruption, state television RUV reported.

Following intense seismic activity, magma has begun to flow in the area around the lagoon, a popular geothermal spa known for its beautiful blue warm waters.

"Given the depth of the magma, which is about four kilometers, the volcano could erupt within hours," volcanologist Thorvaldur Thordarson told RUV, CNN reports.

The evacuation of the nearby town of Grindavik has also been ordered, RUV states.

Police said the evacuation is proceeding as planned and that only a few people have been in the town in recent days.

"Blue Lagoon" announced that the complex will be closed until at least next week, when the danger will be reassessed.

In November, "Blue Lagoon" was closed for a week after 1,400 earthquakes were recorded in 24 hours.

Located in a specific location between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates – the two largest on the planet, Iceland is a seismic and volcanic hotspot because the two plates move in opposite directions beneath its surface.

The Reykjanes Peninsula alone has six active volcanic systems, while the whole of Iceland has more than 30 active volcanoes.