Icelandic Town Faces Destruction Threat from Potential Volcanic Eruption
The town of Grindavik in Iceland, situated near Reykjavik and home to approximately 4,000 residents, is under serious threat due to an anticipated volcanic eruption, according to experts. The Guardian reports on this concerning situation.
Residents of Grindavik, located on the southwest coast of the country, were evacuated early on Saturday after underground magma displacement triggered hundreds of earthquakes, considered a precursor to a potential eruption.
"We are deeply concerned about the condition of all buildings and infrastructure in this area," stated Vidir Reynisson, the head of Iceland's Civil Protection and Emergency Management Agency, on Saturday.
The most likely scenario is the opening of a fissure in the ground near the town. However, experts do not rule out the possibility of an eruption on the ocean floor, leading to the formation of a large ash cloud that could descend upon the town.
"This is not the only scenario, but we cannot exclude it because the crack extends into the sea," noted a specialist.
Earthquakes and ground uplift caused by magma intrusion have already caused damage to roads and buildings in Grindavik and its surroundings. Iceland, with 33 active volcanic systems, has declared a state of emergency and mandated the evacuation of the town.
"Magma is currently at a very shallow depth, so we expect an eruption within a few hours, at least within a few days. We have a 15-kilometer-long rift, and at any point along this rift, we can see the possibility of an eruption," said Reynisson.
Shelters and assistance centers have been opened in nearby towns, but many residents of Grindavik have chosen to stay with friends or relatives. In recent years, three eruptions occurred near the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula in March 2021, August 2022, and July 2023, all far from residential areas.
Located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik, Grindavik is a crucial provider of electricity and water for the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the Svartsengi geothermal power station is also situated. Grindavik is also close to a reservoir and the popular tourist destination, the Blue Lagoon, which has been closed for safety reasons.