Iceland has experienced weeks of seismic activity, culminating with an active volcano eruption.Recent days had already witnessed an evacuation, moving nearly 4,000 residents of Grindavik fishing town located in Iceland’s southwest due to rising fears that an eruption might occur from Reykjanes peninsula.Vidir Reynisson, Iceland’s civil protection and emergency management official, told RUV broadcaster his estimated magma flow rate to be at least 100 cubic meters per second or possibly higher.
Over recent years, several eruptions in unpopulated parts of the peninsula were noted; however, authorities believe this current episode posed an immediate danger to nearby towns.As an additional safety measure, Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa has also been closed temporarily as a safety measure.On Monday, the Icelandic Meteorological Office posted on its website: “Warning: Eruption has begun north of Grindavik near Hagafell.
An Iceland Meteorological Office statement confirmed that a coastguard helicopter would survey the area to pinpoint and quantify where and how large eruption may have occurred. However, the international airport in Reykjavik – close by – remains open and operational.
Helen Hope had just completed a vacation to Manchester when her flight took off from Rome.
“Most people were intrigued by it; perhaps more as we became delayed, as some passengers noticed it and scrambled for a look.” She told Sky News:
“The pilot had been waiting for approval from different safety committees to check which direction the wind and any ash were blowing before continuing his flight.”
Iceland was on high alert for an impending volcanic eruption when it declared a state of emergency on November 17th.
Reykjanes peninsula, located approximately 30 miles southwest of Reykjavik and home to volcanic and seismic hot-spot activity, had been shaken daily by hundreds of small earthquakes for two weeks prior.
Icelandic authorities were working on an emergency plan for Grindavik to protect it against volcanic activity in November.
Scientists speculated that magma would likely break through near towns, with flow towards houses as its probable destination.
Almannavarnir, Icelandic civil defense, announced earth walls would be constructed to redirect any river of molten lava away from towns in Iceland.
An eruption has started on the Reykjanes peninsula.
The eruption is located about 3 km north of Grindavik. The eruption began at 22.17 following the earthquake swarm that started around 21:00. https://t.co/9vYBBjNcX9 pic.twitter.com/sYLwWhUtlA— Veðurstofa Íslands / Icelandic Met Office (@Vedurstofan) December 18, 2023