Iceland declares emergency over earthquakes, potential volcanic eruption. Residents urged to evacuate.
Iceland has declared a state of emergency in response to an unprecedented series of earthquakes in the southwest of the country, raising concerns of an imminent volcanic eruption. The Icelandic Meteorological Office recorded nearly 800 earthquakes between midnight and 2 p.m. on Friday, with the shallowest at a depth of 3-3.5 kilometers.
The Icelandic Civil Protection Agency has expressed worry about a magma tunnel forming that could reach the coastal town of Grindavík. However, as of Friday evening, it remains uncertain if and where the magma might break through to the surface. The agency stated that earthquakes may intensify, potentially leading to an eruption, although there are currently no signs of the magma nearing the surface.
Authorities have issued evacuation orders for residents of Grindavík, emphasizing a calm and orderly departure, while reassuring that there is no immediate danger. The US Embassy in Iceland has issued a volcano alert, warning of potential hazards such as lava, toxic gases, and heavy smoke in the event of an eruption.
The renowned Blue Lagoon thermal pool in the affected area has already closed due to ongoing seismic activity. Iceland, situated on a tectonic plate boundary with 32 active volcanoes, experiences eruptions approximately every 12 months. The latest eruption occurred in July 2021, south of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik.
