Following a severe series of earthquakes in the southwest of the nation connected to a probable volcanic eruption, Iceland has declared a state of emergency, with police authorities encouraging inhabitants to leave the coastal town of Grindavk.
There were around 800 earthquakes registered between midnight and 2 p.m. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the shallowest was at a depth of 3-3.5 kilometers (1.86-2.18 miles) on Friday.
The Icelandic Civil Protection Agency stated on Friday that a magma tube that is growing might reach Grindavk. However, as of Friday evening, the Icelandic authorities stated it was hard to predict whether or not the magma will burst through to the surface.
“Earthquakes may become bigger than those that have already occurred, and this sequence of events could lead to an eruption. However, there are still no signs that the magma is nearing the surface. Its progress is being closely monitored,” the Civil Protection Agency said.
Magma is a combination of molten and semi-molten rock found under the Earth's surface that may create an eruption when it reaches the surface and transforms into lava.
Authorities asked people to depart gently, emphasizing that no urgent risk exists.
“We want to reiterate that residents MUST evacuate their homes and leave the town. But we also want to reiterate that this is not an emergency evacuation, there is plenty of time to prepare, secure things and drive out of town calmly,” the Civil Protection Agency said.
“It is clear that we are dealing with events that we Icelanders have not experienced before, at least not since the eruption in Vestmannaeyjar. We faced that together, we will face this together and we will not lose heart,” the Civil Protection Agency added.
The United States Embassy in Iceland issued a volcano alert, warning of heightened volcanic activity.
“If an eruption occurs, follow the instructions of Icelandic authorities. Volcanic hazards may include lava, toxic gases, and heavy smoke from fires ignited by lava,” it said.
Due to the continued earthquake activity, the world-famous Blue Lagoon thermal pool in the region has already closed.
Since 2021, an eruption has occurred roughly every 12 months, with the most recent occurring in July south of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik.
Iceland is located on a tectonic plate boundary that is constantly splitting apart, pushing North America and Eurasia apart along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. There are 32 active volcanoes in the area.
