Iceland declares state of emergency amid 'intense swarm of earthquakes'
Harry KembleIceland has declared a state of emergency and ordered citizens to evacuate the town of Grindavik following an intense swarm of earthquakes on the country’s Reykjanes peninsula, prompting fears of a volcanic eruption.
Around 3,000 people living in the southwestern town of Grindavik were ordered to leave their homes on Friday (10 November) evening. A Civil Protection Alert Phase was declared on Friday after an “intense earthquake swarm” that started in Sundhnjukagigar, north of Grindavik.
Since midnight on Sunday (12 November) 1,000 earthquakes have been recorded, with Iceland’s Meteorological Office (IMO) stating there was “significant likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the coming days”. Models show a 15km-long magma intrusion, located just northwest of Grindavik. The IMO said magma could be moving closer to the surface.
The nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and baths has temporarily closed following heightened levels of volcanic activity in the area. Tens of thousands of tremors have been recorded by the IMO in recent weeks, signalling an uptick in volcanic activity.
Keflavik airport, Iceland’s only international airport, situated north of the area experiencing the activity, remains open and operational. Icelandair said seismic activity in the southwest of Iceland "was not affecting air transport to and from Iceland".
"We are in close contact with Icelandic authorities and are monitoring the situation closely," said the carrier. "The situation has no effect on flights and we will keep passengers informed if the situation would change."
The Foreign Office updated its travel advice to Iceland on Saturday (11 November) to state that “while there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible one could occur”.
“The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjorn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon,” the FCDO said.
“On 10 November, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes. The town of Grindavik was evacuated as a precaution.
“Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area. Keflavik International airport is operating as normal.”
It also urged British nationals travelling to Iceland to monitor local media and follow local authorities advice.
Blue Lagoon latest
The latest statement from Iceland’s Blue Lagoon spa and resort, which is situated near the area where the activity is taking place, reads: "The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management has declared an emergency phase due to intense earthquakes at Sundhnjukagigar, north of Grindavik.
"This risk level indicates escalating danger, and measures are being taken to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the area. The earthquakes may intensify beyond what has already occurred, potentially leading to an eruption."
The statement, issued on Friday (10 November), adds: "However, as of now, there are no indications of magma reaching the surface. The progress is being closely monitored."
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