Volcano warning could destroy town of 4,000 people in Iceland

The town of Grindavik, with a population of about 4,000, was evacuated in the early hours of November 11 (local time), after magma moving under the earth's crust caused hundreds of earthquakes believed to be a precursor to a volcanic eruption, according to AFP.

Grindavik is located near the Svartsengi geothermal plant, which provides electricity and water to the 30,000 residents of the Reykjanes Peninsula, a volcanic and seismic hotspot southwest of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. In March 2021, lava flows erupted from a 500-750 meter-long underground fissure in the area’s Fagradalsfjall volcanic system, according to Reuters.

Red light from Fagradalsfjall volcano erupting in 2021

"We are really concerned about all the houses and infrastructure in the area," Vidir Reynisson, head of Iceland's Emergency Management and Civil Protection Agency, told AFP. "The lava is at a very shallow depth, so we expect an eruption within the next few hours or days," Reynisson added.

The most likely scenario is that a crack appears in the ground near the town of Grindavik. “We have a crack that is about 15 kilometers long, and anywhere on that crack we can see a potential eruption,” said Mr. Reynisson. However, he did not rule out the possibility of an eruption under the ocean floor, which could cause a large ash cloud.

Earthquakes and ground uplift caused by magma intrusion have caused damage to many roads and buildings in Grindavik and the surrounding area.

Iceland, home to 33 active volcanic systems, declared a state of emergency and ordered a mandatory evacuation of the town of Grindavik early on November 11. Emergency shelters and support centers were opened in several nearby towns, but most Grindavik residents were staying with friends or relatives, according to AFP.

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