Large fissures have emerged on the streets of a town in Iceland that is in danger of being affected by a potential volcanic eruption.
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This morning, the Icelandic Met Office issued a warning about the possibility of an imminent eruption and detected the strongest earthquake in 48 hours near the evacuated town of Grindavik.
The most recent report from the forecaster mentioned approximately 300 earthquakes occurring on Sunday. There was also a “swarm” of earthquakes near the town that lasted for a little over an hour before midnight.
At 00:26am on Monday, a 3-magnitude earthquake occurred 3 miles northeast of Grindavik. This was the strongest earthquake in the past 48 hours, with the previous strongest being a 2.7 magnitude.
Two weeks ago, the town of Grindavik was forced to evacuate due to seismic activity caused by magma that created large cracks in the streets.
The Icelandic Met Office reports that although numerous earthquakes are continuing to occur in the vicinity on a daily basis, there has been a decrease in overall seismic activity. They also state that the chances of a volcanic eruption occurring in the near future are decreasing as time goes on.
According to a civil protection official interviewed by The Independent, the current situation is perilous. They stated, “I have never witnessed anything like this before. Typically, we have a small window of time to evacuate, but with the current weather conditions, that window is even smaller.”
Should you visit?
Many individuals are wondering about this. With news of a potential volcanic eruption, vacationers are understandably worried about whether or not they should proceed with their travel plans.
The UK Foreign Office does not recommend avoiding travel to the island.
The most recent guidance is as follows: “The Icelandic government is actively monitoring the region, specifically the northwestern area of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon.”
On November 10, a notification was issued by Civil Protection due to a significant series of earthquakes.
As a precaution, the town of Grindavík was evacuated and certain roads have been closed. Visitors are advised to avoid the area. Keflavik International Airport is currently functioning as usual.
“Although there is currently no volcanic activity, there is a growing possibility of an eruption. It is important to stay informed through local news sources and adhere to the guidance of authorities regarding travel to the affected region.”
due to a possible volcanic eruption.
The possibility of a volcanic eruption has led to the evacuation of Grindavik town.
Most of the dike at Svarsengi has solidified.
According to the geophysics professor at the University of Iceland, the likelihood of a volcanic eruption is diminishing due to 90 percent of the dike solidifying.
In an interview with mbl.is, Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson stated, “There is still a possibility that there is more magma that could accumulate and create a path for it to rise.”
“However, the probability of an eruption has significantly decreased due to various factors.”
Locations of earthquakes
Map showing the “swarm” of earthquakes around the dike intrusion near the town of Grindavik, in the south west of the country.
The largest earthquake within a 48-hour period has been recorded.
Additional information about the earthquake that occurred three miles from Grindavik this morning.
The Icelandic Met Office reported that a series of earthquakes occurred around the dike intrusion north of the town, lasting for approximately an hour.
It was reported that around 300 earthquakes, with the biggest one measuring 3.0M at Sundhnjúkur, were detected from midnight onwards.
In sum, approximately 700 earthquakes were identified near the intrusion on Sunday.
Even though the number remains high, the Met Office reports a steady decline in seismic activity. However, there is still worry among the residents on the island, as revealed by our journalist Barney Davis during his visit.
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All inhabitants of a municipality in Iceland were relocated because of a volcanic eruption. Brave rescuers returned to retrieve the animals.
All inhabitants of a town in Iceland were forced to leave because of a volcanic eruption. Brave rescuers returned to rescue the animals.
Barney Davis reports from Iceland that rescue efforts were focused on saving cats, dogs, hamsters, and even hens.
Barney Davis reports:
The desolate Icelandic town that has been abandoned due to a volcano, remains in a state of uncertainty.
However, the volunteers who are on guard duty in strong winds of 32mph must adhere to the strict guidelines set by Iceland’s tourism minister. There is a lot of heated discussion in Icelandic, but we eventually make our way through.
Barney Davis reports:
Is it safe to visit Iceland? What are your rights if you have a scheduled vacation?
As a precaution, the town of Grindavík, which is located 10 miles south of Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated.
I am currently in Iceland. Am I allowed to depart? Simon Calder gives an update:
“Viewing: Thick smoke rises from the Grindavik crater as a rescue operation is in progress due to concerns of a potential volcanic eruption.”
View: A seismologist observes an earthquake while demonstrating equipment.
Observe: Cracked roads in Grindavik due to potential volcanic eruption.
The Independent is reporting that
According to The Independent, it has been reported that…
