Given the numerous earthquakes, the fear of a volcanic eruption in Iceland is growing. On Tuesday, Icelandic authorities allowed residents of the evacuated town of Grindavik to remove their belongings from apartments and houses.
That is why many people go out to keep their most important belongings safe. “I’m really just there to empty my house as much as possible and take the most important things with me: things for the kids, Christmas presents, things like Dat. Only the most important things,” says Jóhannes Jóhannesson, one of the residents of Grindavik.
Damage greater than previously assumed
The owners of twenty houses had already been able to save belongings and pets on Saturday. Civil protection chief Vídir Reynisson said damage in the city was greater than expected, according to broadcaster RUV. Water and electricity lines were damaged by the earthquake.
Grindavík is located about 40 kilometers southwest of the capital Reykjavik. The approximately 3,700 residents had to leave their homes on Saturday night because an approximately 15 kilometer long magma tunnel runs under the city through the sea. The nearby Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous tourist attractions, had closed days earlier.
Experts see three possible scenarios
Hundreds of earthquakes have occurred in the city in recent days. Scientists believe that a volcanic eruption could occur in the immediate area. Experts mentioned three possible scenarios this weekend: either the magma erupts on the mainland, the situation calms down or an eruption takes place on the seabed off the coast.
The island nation’s weather service said Monday that the magma (liquid rock; note) in the tunnel could likely easily find its way to the Earth’s surface, making advance warning virtually impossible. Therefore, it was necessary to evacuate the city of Grindavik and close the roads leading to the city.
Eruption perhaps from an island in the sea?
Former Icelandic President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson referred to 30 earthquakes near the island of Eldey. This could indicate an eruption in the sea, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter, see tweet above) on Monday.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
