New volcanic eruption in Iceland – fears the magma will penetrate beneath Grindavik

A state of alert has been declared, and emergency companies and others in Grindavik should be ready to evacuate at very brief discover, writes the Icelandic Civil Protection Wednesday afternoon.

The eruption is between Stora Skogfell and Sylingafell, writes the nationwide broadcaster Ruv. Photographs from webcams within the space present glowing lava spurting out of the bottom and big clouds of smoke rising into the air.

Geologist Kristin Jonsdottir tells the broadcaster that the lava sprays 50 meters into the air and that the eruption is over a kilometer lengthy, maybe round a kilometer and a half. Colleague Benedikt Ofeigs believes the size is nearer to 2.5 kilometres.

In line with Jonsdottir, the eruption seems to be extra highly effective than earlier eruptions within the space.

Grindavik and The Blue Lagoon have been evacuated on Wednesday morning native time after elevated seismic exercise was recorded within the space. A thermal energy plant was additionally evacuated.

Fifth outbreak in 5 months

Wednesday’s outbreak is the fifth in slightly below half a yr, the newspaper writes Morgunbladid.

Solely a small variety of the everlasting residents of Grindavik have returned residence to the village after the earlier outbreaks. Morgunbladid reported that the evacuation was accomplished at 1pm native time. Iceland is 2 hours behind Norway. However three of the residents have refused to evacuate, the police inform RUV.

The lava flows in a westerly course, in direction of Grindavik. On the identical time, it’s feared that the magma will penetrate beneath the village. Boundaries have been set as much as defend the location ought to the lava attain the outskirts of the village, however thus far this has not occurred.

In line with the Icelandic Civil Protection, the residents now know the evacuation course of effectively, and it went easily. The background for the eruptions is that geological programs which have been dormant for round 800 years grew to become lively once more from 2021.

Air visitors at Keflavik not affected

There is no such thing as a concern that the outbreak will have an effect on air visitors from the nation’s essential airport, Keflavik. The airport is a crucial hub for air visitors between Europe and North America.

– Keflavik Airport is open and working as regular, the airport writes on its web site Homepage. Passengers are nonetheless inspired to observe any updates on air visitors.