What is known

Viðir Reynisson, head of the Icelandic Civil Protection and Emergency Management Agency, says: magma is now at a very shallow depthSo an explosion could happen at any moment.

A state of emergency has been declared in the country due to thousands of recent earthquakes in the southwest of the Reykjanes peninsula: 800 cases were seen on November 11, 1000 cases were seen on November 12, 900 cases were seen on November 13. The largest number of them was observed in the north of Grindavik, while in the city itself a large sinkhole formed under several houses.

Two strong earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.2 that occurred in the region were felt as far as the capital Reykjavik and along the southern coast of the country, causing some damage. Police closed the main north-south road into Grindavik due to damage caused by the tremors.

Data on November 11 showed a “magma tunnel” about 15 kilometers from the north towards Grindavik and the sea. An explosion may occur at any point in this tunnel. It is not clear how close the magma comes to the surface, but its deepest point is 800 meters.

Map showing the magma tunnel passing in front of the town of Grindavik / Photo: Icelandic Meteorological Office

The Icelandic Meteorological Office says this all points to: The risk of explosion will increase in the coming hours or days. At the same time, the amount of magma this time is significantly greater than that observed in the largest magmatic formations formed in connection with the eruption of the Fagradalsfjatl volcano.

• Authorities have closed the Blue Lagoon resort near Grindavik due to significant seismic activity. It is known for its geothermal springs and luxury hotels and attracts approximately 700,000 visitors every year.
• In Grindavik, just three kilometers southwest of the seismic epicenter, evacuation plans were put into effect in anticipation of a possible eruption.
• Unfortunately, according to local authorities, due to the landslide in Reykjanes, it is not possible to save livestock from the designated danger zone. The area is currently closed to all human traffic until further notice.

In general, there have been major earthquakes on the Reykjanes peninsula since late October, when earthquakes began. 24,000 aftershocks.