2023-11-17 13:32:36
Iceland is on high alert. An area near the town of Grindavik, in the southwest of the island, is seriously threatened by a volcanic eruption which could occur in the coming days. Authorities in the country, which has 33 active volcanic systems, ordered the evacuation of the city.
Grindavik, now deserted after the evacuation of its 4,000 residents this weekend, is only 40 km from the volcano. The now ghost town is crossed by an immense fault, called “Dyke”, currently 15 km wide, reports the HuffPost. As the tremors continue, it even continues to grow.
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An uncertain situation
In addition to the immense fissure, carefully monitored by authorities and scientists, the volcanic tremors caused a lot of damage in the city. Images relayed by the media show many cracked buildings and damaged or even gutted roads.
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Predicting a volcanic eruption and its consequences is a difficult exercise for volcanologists. Iceland is currently in a unique geological situation: the movements of magma underground create constant uncertainty about the occurrence of tremors and the final eruption.
The country has been in increased volcanic activity since 2021. Three eruptions have already taken place, away from human infrastructure and inhabited areas. This phase of activity could extend over several decades or even several centuries. In 2010, the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted, paralyzing air traffic for a long period.
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