Iceland has officially declared a state of emergency in response to a series of seismic activities, heightening concerns of an imminent volcanic eruption. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for thousands residing in the southwestern town of Grindavík as a precautionary measure.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) has expressed a substantial risk of an eruption either directly on or near the Reykjanes peninsula. The likelihood of an eruption has escalated throughout the day, according to the IMO, and an eruption could occur within the next few days.
A significant number of tremors were recorded in the vicinity of the Fagradalsfjall volcano. This heightened seismic activity has been concentrated in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, which remained dormant to volcanic activity for 800 years until the eruption in 2021. The ground shifts caused by these tremors have been observed, including subsidence at the Grindavik golf course.
In a statement released on November 11, the IMO highlighted the presence of a magma tunnel extending northeast across Grindavik and approximately 10 km further inland. The magma tunnel's estimated depth is less than 800 meters, compared to 1,500 meters earlier in the day.
In response to increased seismic activity, the nearby Blue Lagoon landmark was closed on Thursday, and more than 20,000 tremors have been recorded in southwest Iceland since October. Iceland's Civil Protection Agency made the decision to evacuate Grindavík after the IMO indicated the possibility of a forming magma tunnel reaching the town.
Clarifying that the evacuation is a precautionary measure rather than an immediate response to imminent danger, the agency urged residents to remain calm, emphasizing the safety of Grindavík residents as the primary objective. All roads into the town, housing around 4,000 people, have been closed, with exceptions made only for emergencies.
Iceland, known for its high geological activity, boasts around 30 active volcanic sites. The country experienced eruptions in the Fagradalsfjall area in July, drawing attention as the site of the "world's newest baby volcano." Despite the dormant status for eight centuries, eruptions occurred in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
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