'Seismic swarm' in Iceland prompts new Foreign Office warning

Although currently there is no eruption, the FCDO said Icelandic authorities were monitoring the area closely. 

Iceland’s meteorological office (IMO) reported last Friday (27 October) that the south-western Reykjanes peninsula was experiencing a “seismic swarm” of small earthquakes.

The “vast majority” of the quakes were under magnitude 3, although two quakes were over 4. 

IMO service and research division head Matthew Roberts told Reuters: “These earthquakes are a warning sign, a part of a longer-term story that we know we’re entering a build-up phase to the next volcanic eruption.” 

Destination marketing and management company Visit Reykjanes said it is “essential to travel with great care and follow instructions” when visiting the peninsula. 

Mt. Litli-Hrutur in the Reykjanes peninsula started erupting in July and continued for four weeks.