Iceland is currently on high alert as experts warn of an imminent volcanic eruption that could happen within a matter of hours or days. The Independent reports that around 3,000 residents of Grindavik, near the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system, have been evacuated due to the potential threat. In the past 48 hours, the country has experienced a swarm of seismic activity, with a total of 1,485 earthquakes recorded. It is believed that a magma tunnel is forming beneath the town, estimated to be around 12km long.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a warning about the increasing likelihood of an eruption and has updated travel advice for the region. However, they have not prohibited flights at Keflavik International Airport.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office has highlighted the significant risk of an eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula due to the large size of the underground magma intrusion and its rapid movement. Iceland’s vulnerability to natural disasters is attributed to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a divergent plate boundary where the North American and Eurasian Plates are drifting apart, leading to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
Professor Thorvaldur Thordarson from the University of Iceland believes that an eruption is imminent, stating, “I don’t think it’s long before an eruption, hours or a few days. The chance of an eruption has increased significantly.” Professor Páll Einarsson adds that considering the intensity of the seismic activity, it is likely that an eruption will occur from the magma tunnel, although the exact location and duration remain uncertain.
Despite the impending threat, the UK Foreign Office has not discouraged travel to the region but has acknowledged the heightened seismic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula in its official warning.
Previous eruptions in the Reykjanes region have mainly occurred in uninhabited areas. However, the current situation poses an immediate risk to Grindavik. The closure of the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on Thursday underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Reykjanes, a volcanic and seismic hotspot southwest of Reykjavik, experienced remarkable lava fountains in March 2021 from the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system. Subsequent eruptions occurred in August 2022 and July of the current year. The Fagradalsfjall system, which had been dormant for over 6,000 years before these events, spans approximately 6km in width and 19km in length.
