VOLCANO THREATENS TOWN OF GRINDAVIK, ICELAND
Experts are warning that the town of Grindavik in Iceland could be heavily damaged by a volcano that is expected to erupt within the next few hours or days. The town, which is home to about 4,000 people, was evacuated in the early hours of Saturday after a series of earthquakes and the shifting of magma under the Earth’s surface indicated that an eruption could be imminent.
Vidir Reynisson, head of Iceland’s Civil Protection and Emergency Management, expressed serious concerns about the potential damage to houses and infrastructure in the area. The town is located near the Svartsengi geothermal plant, the main supplier of electricity and water to 30,000 residents on the Reykjanes peninsula, as well as a freshwater reservoir. Additionally, the popular tourist destination, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa resort, has closed as a precaution.
Reynisson stated that the magma is expected to cause an eruption within a couple of hours at the shortest, but at least within a couple of days. The most likely scenario is that a fissure will open in the ground near Grindavik, which has already experienced damage to roads and buildings due to the earthquakes and ground lift caused by the magma intrusion.
Iceland has declared a state of emergency and ordered the mandatory evacuation of Grindavik. Emergency shelters and help centers have opened in nearby towns, and while most Grindavik residents are staying with friends or relatives, the situation remains tense.
The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) has been closely monitoring the situation and has observed magma accumulating under the Earth’s surface. Sara Barsotti, the volcanic hazards coordinator for the IMO, expressed surprise at the unprecedented event, noting that the amount of lava and the speed at which it is accumulating are much higher than previously seen on the peninsula.
This heightened volcanic activity is not entirely unexpected, as three eruptions have taken place on the Reykjanes peninsula in recent years. Volcanologists believe that this new cycle of increased activity could last for several decades or even centuries.
Situated in the North Atlantic, Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity, with 33 active volcanic systems across the country. The potential eruption in Grindavik has raised concerns for locals and officials alike, given the potential for widespread damage and disruption.
The situation continues to unfold, and authorities are closely monitoring developments as they prepare for the potential eruption of the volcano near Grindavik.