Despite eruptions occurring just 10km away and a state of emergency declared near the town of Grindavík, Keflavik International Airport remains open. While international travel is unaffected, a drone ban has been enacted on the peninsula.
Authorities Declare A State Of Emergency In Iceland
Due to the looming threat of volcanic eruption in Iceland, the Icelandic Civil Authorities have officially declared a state of emergency in Reykjanes, southwest Iceland.
According to the Iceland Meteorological Office, between 1,500 and 1,800 daily earthquakes have been measured in the region. Most of these occurred around Grindavík, which was evacuated as a preventative measure. An operation to pick up all the horses in the area is now underway, and residents have been allowed home briefly to pick up any animals or valuable possessions.
Scientists at the Iceland Meteorological Office, the University of Iceland and the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management met on November 11th to discuss the seismic activity in the area. It was estimated that magma was about 800m beneath the surface and was rising slowly. They concluded that the possibility of an eruption is high and could occur within mere days.
“A Serious Volcanic Hazard” Near Grindavík
Satellite measurements indicate that the size of the magma intrusion and the rate at which it is moving is several times greater than previously measured on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The speed and size of the intrusion have led to it being declared a “serious volcanic hazard.”
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, eruptions will likely begin near Sundhnjúkagígur. As of midnight on the 14th of November, the office has not identified any other potential eruption zones.
Are you based in the Reykjanes Peninsula? Have you been affected by the impending eruption? Let us know your experience in the comments.
