The risk of a volcanic eruption in Iceland directly in the urban area of Grindavík is currently estimated as low. For this reason, the Icelandic police have lowered the alert level for the evacuated area. Residents were allowed to return to the city for five hours to get their belongings to safety.
From late Thursday morning, only the danger level applies instead of the previously declared alarm level, as announced by the Civil Protection. At the same time, it was found that earthquake activity has decreased.
However, the ground in the Svartsgeni volcanic system north of the city continues to rise and there is a possibility of liquid rock flowing into the magma tunnels beneath Grindavík. There is a particular risk of an outbreak in an area northeast of the city.
The time window could be extended
Because the strength of the earthquake has subsided recently, the police have temporarily allowed groups of residents to return to Grindavík since last week to keep their belongings safe. On further occasions the period could be extended by two hours; authorities are currently investigating this.
An approximately 15 kilometer long magma tunnel runs under Grindavík to the seabed off the coast. Residents had to leave the city, which was hit by hundreds of earthquakes every day, almost two weeks ago.
The nearby Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous tourist attractions, was also closed earlier.
Source: Krone
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