Underground activity in a volcanic area near the Icelandic capital Reykjavik has not calmed down even after almost two weeks. About 1,300 additional earthquakes have been recorded on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the past 24 hours.
The strongest of these had a magnitude of 3.6 and occurred about three kilometers northeast of Mount Thorbjörn, Icelandic weather authority Vedurstofa said on Monday. At one measuring point on the mountain, the earth has risen seven centimeters so far, the authority wrote. The underground magma inflow is significantly greater than in previous events of this type.
As the radio station RÚV reported, so far there are no clear signs that the magma is getting closer to the Earth’s surface. Nevertheless, the channel has already started the situation with Thorbjörn with a live stream.
The last eruption lasting several weeks was in July
The Reykjanes Peninsula is located southwest of the capital Reykjavik. A series of earthquakes has heralded volcanic eruptions in the area three times in the past three years: most recently there was an eruption lasting several weeks in July, without posing any major danger to populated areas. This time, however, a geothermal power plant in the region was viewed with concern. Right next to it is the Blue Lagoon, a thermal bath that is especially popular with tourists.
Evacuation plan drawn up
An emergency evacuation plan has already been drawn up for the town of Grindavík, a few kilometers further south. However, evacuations will only take place if people are in danger, the head of Iceland’s Civil Protection, Vídir Reynisson, said at a press conference on Monday.
Source: Krone
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