Iceland volcano - live: Met officials record 2000 quakes and reveal likely site of eruption in ‘coming days’

Iceland has recorded about 2,000 mini-quakes in the last 24 hours as officials warn that a volcano is close to erupting in the country, most likely close to the mountainous region of Hagafell in the “coming days”.

Iceland’s Met Office said magmatic gas has been detected at a borehole in Svartsengi, signalling an imminent eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano over the coming days, with the town of Grindavik most at risk.

“Hagafell is thought to be a prime location for an eruption,” according to the Iceland Met Office.

Magma has been building underneath Iceland and Margaret Hartley, a senior lecturer in Earth sciences at the University of Manchester, said an eruption was a case of when, not if.

“I do think an eruption will take place, but the big question is when that might happen,” she told Live Science.

An eruption would take place when an open fracture connecting the magma dike to the Earth’s surface opens up.

“The most likely way to create this fracture is that a pressure build-up of gas bubbles in the dike will force magma towards the surface, breaking the crust apart,” she said.

“The process is a bit like shaking up a can of fizzy drink – as soon as a crack opens in the top of the can, the drink escapes with lots of frothing.”

Key Points

• Eruption could be like ‘can of fizzy drink’ exploding

• Defence walls built around power plant

• Fears over flights in and out of Iceland

• Eruption fears as magma spreads underground and cracks appear in roads

• Where is Grindavik?

Pinned post: Officials reveal most likely location for volcanic eruption

03:40 , Athena Stavrou

The most likely site for volcanic eruption in Iceland is near the mountainous region of Hagafell, according to the Icelandic meteorological office.

Latest models based on GPS data and satellite imagery suggest the largest magma intrusion movements are occurring north of Grindavík, near Hagafell, the Met Office said.

“If magma manages to reach the surface, Hagafell is thought to be a prime location for an eruption,” it said, adding that seismicity related to the magma intrusion remains constant.

About 2,000 mini quakes have been recorded in the last 24 hours the largest of which occurred near Hagefell and had a magnitude of 3.0.

Most of the earthquake activity is still being recorded in an area north of Hagafel, the Met Office noted.

Pinned post: Thousands of quakes recorded in single day

03:12 , Athena Stavrou

Over 2,000 quakes have been recorded in Iceland with continued land deformation on Friday, according to the country’s meteorological office.

The most likely scenario, according to the Iceland Met Office volcanism head Kristín Jónsdóttir, is eruption beginning in the “next few days.”

Experts say the eruption site is likely NE of Grindavík where ground deformation is happening more acutely, but it is still not entirely sure when and where it may happen, according to the Met Office.

13:28 , Athena Stavrou

More than 1200 families evacuated families need more permanent housing as the return to Grindavik seems unlikely.

At a Civil Defense briefing today, mayor of Grindavik Fannar Jónasson said that it will take “days and weeks” to resolve issues.

He said housing issues are the main concern as many families from the town need more permanent shelter.

“I think the nation has done very well, considering the response and the aid we have received,” he said. “A lot has happened in this one week. I know that there is a lot of impatience and a call from the residents to go faster, but everyone is doing their best and it will take days and weeks to resolve issues.”

Eruption still likely as magma travels close to the surface

13:23 , Athena Stavrou

An eruption is still considered to be likely as magma travels close to the surface, despite fewer earthquakes taking place.

At a Civil Defense briefing today the head of the volcanic activity department at the Icelandic Met Office said the situation is similar to what it has been in recent days.

Kristín Jónsdóttir noted that while the magma intrusion is still deepening and widening, it is doing so at a slower rate.

She said that a decrease in seismic activity indicates that magma has reached very high up in the earth’s crust and does not now need much for it to reach the surface.

The Icelandic Met Office official also reiterated that the most likely place for an eruption is the area west of Hagafell.

Grindavik residents may not be able to return ‘for months'

13:16 , Athena Stavrou

Residents of the evacuated town of Grindavik have been warned that they may not be able to return to their homes for months.

At a Civil Defense briefing today, director Víðir Reynisson said there is significant damage to houses and pipes in the area.

He said: “This plus uncertainty about earthquakes means that residents have to prepare to live elsewhere in the coming months.”

Locals have been permitted to briefly enter their homes this week to collect their valuables and pets.

Ground deformation continues

12:06 , Athena Stavrou

Ground deformation and the movement of magma has continued near the anticipated site of eruption.

The Icelandic Met Office said GPS data showed 3-4cm of subsidence per day in and around the evacuated town of Grindavik.

They also said that ground deformation in the area has continued but at a decreasing rate.

The largest movements have occurred north of Grindavik, near Hagafell, which is where an eruption is most likely yo take place.

Residents briefly return to Grindavik one week after it was first evacuated

11:26 , Athena Stavrou

Some residents of the evacuated town of Grindavik have been allowed to return home to collect valuables and tend to pets today.

Locals have been allowed to enter the town in small numbers for a short amount of time every day since Monday, after the town was first evacuated on Saturday.

Throughout the week, queues of cars were pictured on the road leading to the town, which has been ‘split in two’ by thousands of earthquakes in recent weeks.

Pictures: Town split in two after being hit by thousands of earthquakes

10:43 , Athena Stavrou

Civil Defence meeting to be held

09:38 , Athena Stavrou

Iceland’s Civil Defence will hold an information session at 1pm today.

The meeting will be held at a rescue centre near the evacuated area and will give local residents the opportunity to ask questions.

Attendees will include the prime minister of Iceland and Icelandic Met Office officials.

No eruption as of Saturday morning

09:11 , Athena Stavrou

No eruption has taken place as of Saturday morning, but as earthquakes continue the chance of one is still likely.

Over 340 earthquakes have been recorded in the area since midnight, according to a specialist in the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

Seismic activity decreased around 9pm last night but has since returned to the same level it had been.

Telecom companies coordinate to keep systems working

08:00 , Vishwam Sankaran

The staff of telecom companies are working together with the Iceland national “emergency line” to keep communications systems working in order, according to local news.

They are also reportedly coordinating to upgrade the systems to ensure they can withstand the stress of increased seismic activity in the region.

“All the telecommunications companies are cooperating. There is extremely good cooperation going on in all operations and it has been for the past week,” telecom company Mila’s technical director Daði Sigurðarson said.

Volunteers race to rescue pets as eruption imminent in 'coming days'

07:30 , Vishwam Sankaran

Volunteers have rescued hundreds of animals from Grindavik over the week as Iceland’s meteorological department officials warn that volcanic eruption is imminent in the “coming days.”

The organisation noted that over the last week, it has rescued a number of animals from the quake-rattled town, including cats, hamsters, pigeons, sheep, frogs, hamsters, and shrimp.

“The owners and people in Grindavík have been very involved in getting the animals out with excellent results,” Dýrfinna og Hundasveitin, an association that helps lost animals, posted on X.

“The actions of the last few days have been characterized by a great struggle for the animals who do not have a voice and their owners,” it said.

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

07:00 , Matt Mathers

Simon Calder answers your questions on aviation, the land of ice and fire, and birthday in Albania:

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Where is Grindavik?

06:30 , Matt Mathers

Residents wonder if they will ever return to Icelandic town near volcano

06:00 , Vishwam Sankaran

Some residents of Grindavik say they face years of uncertainty ahead about whether they would want to return to the Icelandic town jolted by thousands of quakes over the week.

Officials say the damage to the town could take months to repair.

Magma shifting under the Earth has jolted the town, causing massive dents to roads, and buildings’ foundations.

Even if the magma flow stops and the eruption warning is called off, “there is the issue of whether one should live in a town like this,” Freysteinn Sigmundsson, a geophysicist at the University of Iceland, told AFP.

“There are going to be a lot of people who don’t want to go there. My mother said ‘I never want to go there again’,” Eythor Reynisson, who was born and raised in the fishing town of about 4,000 people, said.

How imminent eruption in 'coming days' could differ from 2010 event

05:00 , Vishwam Sankaran

The imminent volcanic eruption likely in the “coming days’ in Iceland would not be as severe as the series of events in 2010 that led to disruption of air travel across Europe, experts say.

For instance, in the 2010 eruptions, the volcano had a thick ice cap on its top, and the interaction between the melted ice and the lava became explosive.

But the current volcanic area does not have an ice cover indicating it may not be as explosive even if magma could spurt out high, volcanologist Prof Malcolm Hole from the University of Aberdeen explains.

“There will be an ash plume but it probably won’t be of the magnitude that we saw in 2010,” he added.

Town of Grindavik could be obliterated if volcanic eruption strikes

04:30 , Matt Mathers

A volcanic eruption could destroy the Icelandic town of Grindavik or lead to extensive ash clouds, experts have warned.

The country has been shaken by more than 2,000 small earthquakes in the past few days, prompting fears that the tremors could disrupt the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country.

Lydia Patrick reports:

Iceland earthquake: Town could be obliterated if volcanic eruption strikes

Could eruption disrupt air travel in Europe?

04:10 , Vishwam Sankaran

Iceland’s meteorological office has warned that the high likelihood of volcanic eruption still continues, likely to start “anytime in the next few days”

Accuweather Global Weather Center warned on Monday the potential for air travel getting affected over the coming weeks.

Ash from volcanic eruptions poses a risk to jet engines and can be a threat to planes, experts warn.

For instance, when Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted in 2010, giant plumes of volcanic ash carried across Europe led to the disruption of over 100,000 flights over several weeks.

This affected about 7 million passengers, causing a loss of $4.7 billion to the global economy, Forbes reported.

Until now the situation has not affected air transport to or from Iceland and it remains unclear to what extent imminent eruption in the “coming days” could affect air travel in the country as well as the continent.

“While the possibility of air traffic disturbance cannot be entirely ruled out, scientists consider it an unlikely scenario. The potential disruption to flight traffic would depend on factors such as the location and size of the eruption,” Iceland’s official tourist website noted.

“We are in close contact with Icelandic authorities and are monitoring the situation closely. The situation has no effect on flights and we will keep passengers informed if there are any changes,” Iceland Air says on its website.

Mapped: Iceland earthquake locations revealed as volcano eruption alert issued

02:30 , Matt Mathers

Iceland is experiencing a seismic swarm as 2800 earthquakes have hit the country in just 48 hours prompting fears of a volcanic eruption.

Most tremours have been felt in the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country where small earthquakes have been felt every day for more than two weeks due to a build-up of volcanic magma three miles underground.

Lydia Patrick reports:

Mapped: Iceland earthquake locations revealed as volcano eruption alert issued

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears of volcano eruption?

00:30 , Matt Mathers

Despite fears of an impending volcanic eruption, flights from the UK to Keflavik international airport 10 miles north of the eruption site are going ahead as usual.

Simon Calder and Lydia Patrick report:

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption?

‘It’s like a dystopian movie’: Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

Friday 17 November 2023 22:30 , Matt Mathers

Residents from a small Icelandic town under threat from a volcanic eruption have described their ‘apocalyptic’ existence as they fear for their future.

Last Friday, thousands of Grindavik residents were ordered to leave as the town was rocked by hundreds of earthquakes. The small fishing town is 34 miles from Reykjavík and is home to the famous tourist attraction the Blue Lagoon.

Lydia Patrick reports:

Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

Watch - Thousands evacuated as fears grow of volcano eruption in Iceland

Friday 17 November 2023 20:30 , Lydia Patrick

Iceland volcano could erupt like a ‘can of fizzy drink’

Friday 17 November 2023 20:29 , Matt Mathers

A volcano close to erupting in Iceland could explode like a “can of fizzy drink,” an expert has said.

Iceland’s Met Office has said magmatic gas has been detected at a borehole in Svartsengi, signalling an imminent eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano over the coming days, with the town of Grindavik most at risk.

The small fishing town has already been evacuated following thousands of mini earthquakes across the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest Iceland, over the past week.

Full report:

Iceland volcano could erupt like a ‘can of fizzy drink’

Friday 17 November 2023 19:30 , Lydia Patrick

Despite repetitive quakes, Grindavik’s telecommunications are still in tact, say communications companies.

Míla, Iceland’s largest telecommunications company, told RUV that radio signals are currently undamaged.

Daði Sigurðarson, Míla’s technical director told the state broadcaster: “All the telecommunications companies are cooperating. There is extremely good cooperation going on in all operations and it has been for the past week.”

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

Friday 17 November 2023 18:30 , Lydia Patrick

Iceland’s town of Grindavik faces a catastrophic countdown to a volcanic eruption that could see its destruction, experts have warned.

Almost 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik over the weekend as authorities feared that molten rock would rise to the surface of the earth and potentially hit the coastal town and a geothermal power station.

It comes as the country has been shaken by more than 880 small earthquakes, prompting fears that the tremors could disrupt the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country.

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

‘It’s like a dystopian movie’: Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

Friday 17 November 2023 17:21 , Lydia Patrick

Residents from a small Icelandic town under threat from a volcanic eruption have described their ‘apocalyptic’ existence as they fear for their future.

Last Friday, thousands of Grindavik residents were ordered to leave as the town was rocked by hundreds of earthquakes. The small fishing town is 34 miles from Reykjavík and is home to the famous tourist attraction the Blue Lagoon.

Many have been unable to return to the ‘danger zone’ to collect their belongings, as earthquakes continue to strike the town.

Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

Why is Iceland susceptible to natural disasters?

Friday 17 November 2023 16:30 , Lydia Patrick

Iceland is highly susceptible to natural disasters as it lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge – a divergent plate boundary where the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate are moving away from each other, leading to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Where is Grindavik?

Friday 17 November 2023 16:00 , Lydia Patrick

Grindavik is a small town which lies on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country just 32 miles away from Reykjavik.

It is a fishing town of 3,800 people and residents have described the town as a close knit community where ‘everyone knows everyone’.

Is it safe to travel to Iceland?

Friday 17 November 2023 15:30 , Lydia Patrick

The earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. The Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik, is seething with seismic activity sparking hundreds of small earthquakes.

The town of Grindavík, just 10 miles south of Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated as a precaution.

Yet flights are continuing to arrive and depart as normal. These are the key questions and answers on consumer rights.

Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked

Watch - Couple cling to each other during Iceland earthquake

Friday 17 November 2023 15:09 , Lydia Patrick

Couple cling to each other during Iceland earthquake

A photographer shares shocking drone footage of ‘ghost town'

Friday 17 November 2023 14:30 , Lydia Patrick

Since earthquakes rocked the southeastern town of Grindavik, thousands of residents have evacuated, leaving behind a cracked ghost town.

Ingib Thor from Grindavik has documented drone footage on his Instagram, showcasing the damage as earthquakes have split homes in two and made entire streets sink,

He posted on Instagram: “I’ve been thinking a lot [about] how deeply this event has turned my life sideways. Here I am holding so many thoughts, thoughts like.Is this event going to stop? Is this a nightmare and am I sleeping Is it going to erupt? Should I use my next invite to go home and pick up more things ? Will Grindavík keep on sinking ? Can the town be fixed?”

Watch - Huge cracks appear on roads in volcano-threatened town

Friday 17 November 2023 14:00 , Lydia Patrick

Huge cracks appear on roads in Iceland’s volcano-threatened town

Worker describes terrifying journey out of Grindavik

Friday 17 November 2023 13:30 , Lydia Patrick

A woman who lives just outside the evacuated town shares her petrifying journey out of Grindavik as earthquakes rocked the town.

Danielle Rodriguez a basketball player for Grindavik’s women’s team was coaching when earthquakes started to strike last Friday.

She says they had a fortnight of sporadic quakes but Friday’s were like nothing they had felt before. They received an alert via text message from the government alerting them to the potential danger and decided to go end the coaching session.

As she returned to her apartment 15 minutes outside of Grindavik with her girlfriend, she started to panic as her car broke down and all the roads out started to crack.

She told The Independent: “We were heading back out of town - heading straight as quick as we could.

It wasn’t scary until we pulled over onto the side of the road. On our first attempt trying to drive out- thecrack was so big

It was like nothing I had ever felt in my life- this isn't normal we need to get out

“On our second attempt out, another crack appeared. All three roads out of town were out. We decided to turn around and help my in laws in Grindavik.”

Danielle says fortunately they detoured to help their in laws pack their things and were then able to leave Grindavik.

Basketball to reunite Grindavik town this weekend

Friday 17 November 2023 13:00 , Lydia Patrick

This weekend displaced Grindavik residents hope to restore their sense of community through the power of sport.

Basketball player and coach Danielle Rodriguez, 29, will be playing as part of Grindaviks women’s team against Þórin Reykavic.

The men’s team will go head-to-head with Hamar, as the town congregates in the capital they hope to fundraise for the evacuated population.

Danielle who works in the town told The Independent: “It’s hard to explain the small town sense of community and family.

I want to do so much for the Grindavik people I coach- they don’t know if and when they will return.

The town is brought together by sports, basketball and football are a big cornerstone of the community.”

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

Friday 17 November 2023 12:25 , Lydia Patrick

Iceland’s town of Grindavik faces a catastrophic countdown to a volcanic eruption that could see its destruction, experts have warned.

Almost 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik over the weekend as authorities feared that molten rock would rise to the surface of the earth and potentially hit the coastal town and a geothermal power station.

It comes as the country has been shaken by more than 880 small earthquakes, prompting fears that the tremors could disrupt the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country.

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

When will the volcano erupt?

Friday 17 November 2023 11:55 , Lydia Patrick

Kristín Jónsdóttir from the Icelandic Met Office told RUV that he believes that eruptions will begin in the next few days.

However, Þorvaldur Þórðarson,Professor in Volcanology and Petrology at the University of Iceland told RUV he believes the eruption could happen in 10 days.

According to the professor, if the eruption does not occur within 10 days, the chances of it happening at all decreases.

Mapped - the danger zone

Friday 17 November 2023 11:18 , Lydia Patrick

Friday 17 November 2023 10:40 , Lydia Patrick

The volvanic eruptions could begin in the next few days, says the Icelandic Met Office.

According to RUV, magmatic gas has been detected at a borehole in Svartsengi, signalling an imminent eruption over the coming days.

More residents might be able to return

Friday 17 November 2023 10:09 , Lydia Patrick

Víðir Reynisson, director of Civil Defence, says more residents might be able to enter the danger zone to collect their belongings.

Mr Reynisson told RUV it would be clearer tomorrow if they could return.“There is an assessment that will be done in the morning. Hopefully it will be possible to allow a little more tomorrow. We will start looking it in the morning when we receive a new risk assessment,” Reynisson told RUV.

‘It’s like a dystopian movie’: Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

Friday 17 November 2023 09:39 , Lydia Patrick

Residents from a small Icelandic town under threat from volcanic eruption have described ‘apocalyptic’ existence as they fear for their future.

Last Friday, thousands of Grindavik residents were ordered to leave as the town was rocked by hundreds of earthquakes. The small fishing town is 34 miles from Reykjavík and is home to the famous tourist attraction the Blue Lagoon.

Many have been unable to return to the ‘danger zone’ to collect their belongings, as earthquakes continue to strike the town.

Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

High chance of volcanic eruption, scientists warn

Friday 17 November 2023 07:54 , Alexander Butler

There is a “high” chance of a volcanic eruption in Iceland, scientists have warned.

“The probability of an eruption is still considered high. Signs of shallowing micro-seismic activity and sudden slippage are being monitored, which may be signs that magma is making its way to the surface,” the Icelandic met office said.

It comes as a Caterpillar D11 - said to be Iceland’s biggest bulldozer - has been dispatched to help build defences. The huge piece of equipment is constructing trenches to reduce the damage caused by any eventual disaster.

Over 50 cats rescued after residents asked to evacuate Grindavik

Friday 17 November 2023 07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

At least 52 cats have been rescued by an animal shelter in Kattholt after pets were left behind during the emergency evacuation of the Icelandic town of Grindavik.

Nearly 4,000 people in the small fishing town were evacuated last weekend amid fears of an imminent volcanic eruption.

Residents were told they could return the next day to pick up their pets, but that didn’t happen.“Since the evacuation, a total of 289 animals have been rescued, that is all animals from frogs to horses,” Hanna Everson for the animal shelter told The Mirror.

“And also a whole chicken farm with 15,000 chicks were rescued.”

But charities said so far four cats, nine fish and four canaries were still stranded.

Iceland earthquakes: Huge cracks appear on roads in volcano-threatened town

Friday 17 November 2023 07:00 , Tom Watling

Roads have begun to crack and buildings buckle under the pressure of underground magma as Iceland prepares for a possible volcanic eruption.

Around 900 earthquakes hit the south of the country on Monday 13 November, with tens of thousands of tremors reported in the region of Reykjanes in recent weeks.

“All roads to Grindavik are closed and traffic on them is forbidden,” the Road Administration of Iceland wrote on Facebook, sharing footage of the damage.

Huge cracks appear on roads in Iceland’s volcano-threatened town

No Iceland earthquakes above magnitude 3 recorded in past two days

Friday 17 November 2023 06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

While seismic activity continues in the affected region of Iceland, all the earthquakes that have hit the Reykjanes peninsula in the past two days were below magnitude 3 on the richter scale, according to state broadcaster RUV.

“Due to the release of tension, it is likely that the magma will have an easy way to the surface, and therefore it cannot be assumed that eruption turbulence will be visible on the meters before the eruption begins,” the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said.

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears of volcano eruption?

Friday 17 November 2023 06:00 , Tom Watling

Iceland has declared a state of emergency after hundreds of earthquakes struck the southwestern Reykjanes peninsula in the past 48 hours.

Despite fears of an impending volcanic eruption, flights from the UK to Keflavik international airport 10 miles north of the eruption site are going ahead as usual.

On Sunday 12 November, all scheduled flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Manchester landed without incident.

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption?

Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon spa temporarily shuts down

Friday 17 November 2023 05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon spa has temporarily shut down, one week after a series of earthquakes led guests to vacate the hotel.

The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa southwest of Reykjavík, will be closed until 30 November amid fears of an imminent volcanic eruption.

Thousands of alarming earthquakes since late October prompted 40 guests at the spa to reportedly leave the resort’s premises earlier this month.

More here.

Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon spa temporarily shuts down over volcanic threat

‘It’s like a dystopian movie’: Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

Friday 17 November 2023 05:00 , Tom Watling

Residents from a small Icelandic town under threat from volcanic eruption have described ‘apocalyptic’ existence as they fear for their future.

Last Friday, thousands of Grindavik residents were ordered to leave as the town was rocked by hundreds of earthquakes. The small fishing town is 34 miles from Reykjavík and is home to the famous tourist attraction the Blue Lagoon.

Many have been unable to return to the ‘danger zone’ to collect their belongings, as earthquakes continue to strike the town.

Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

Grindavik could be obliterated if volcanic eruption strikes

Friday 17 November 2023 04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A volcanic eruption could destroy the Icelandic town of Grindavik or lead to extensive ash clouds, experts have warned.

The country has been shaken by more than 2,000 small earthquakes in the past few days, prompting fears that the tremors could disrupt the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country.

Thousands have been told to evacuate Grindavik as a precautionary measure, while a magma tunnel stretches below the surface. If an eruption occurs in or close to the town, the consequences will be devastating, volcanologist Armann Hoskuldsson warned.

He told state broadcaster RUV: “This is very bad news. One of the most serious scenarios is an eruption in the town itself, similar to that in Vestmannaeyjar 50 years ago. This would be much worse.”

Lydia Patrick reports.

Iceland earthquake: Town could be obliterated if volcanic eruption strikes

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last decade as Iceland town faces devastation

Friday 17 November 2023 04:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Iceland is highly susceptible to natural disasters because it lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge – a divergent plate boundary where the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate are moving away from each other, leading to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Three eruptions have taken place on the peninsula of Reykjanes near the Fagradalsfjall volcano in the last three years: in March 2021, August 2022 and July 2023.

However, previous eruptions did not cause damage, having occurred in remote valleys.

Maryam Zakir-Hussain has more.

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

Massive cracks appear in Grindavik

Friday 17 November 2023 03:55 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The land has reportedly sunk by five feet in the west of Grindavik, and risen by up to 3 feet to the east.

Couple cling to each other during Iceland earthquake

Friday 17 November 2023 03:00 , Tom Watling

A couple cling to one another as their house shakes violently in an earthquake during a volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Caitlin McLean, from Scotland, was visiting her boyfriend, Gisli Gunnarsson, 29, in Grindavik when they were forced to flee his home at midnight on Friday (10 November) as his house shook and locals frantically evacuated the area.

Ms McLean, 34, captured the moment the furniture and light fixtures shook violently in Mr Gunnarsson’s home when the volcano erupted.

Police evacuated Grindavik after seismic activity in the area moved south towards the town, with a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, now thought to be extending under the community, Iceland’s Meteorological Office said.

Couple cling to each other during Iceland earthquake

Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

Friday 17 November 2023 02:55 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Residents from a small Icelandic town under threat from volcanic eruption have described ‘apocalyptic’ existence as they fear for their future.

Last Friday, thousands of Grindavik residents were ordered to leave as the town was rocked by hundreds of earthquakes. The small fishing town is 34 miles from Reykjavík and is home to the famous tourist attraction the Blue Lagoon.

Many have been unable to return to the ‘danger zone’ to collect their belongings, as earthquakes continue to strike the town.

Grindavik resident Andrea Ævarsdóttir, 46, told The Independent: “Everything just seems so unreal, I feel like I’m in a dystopian movie. I’m just waiting to wake up from this nightmare.”

Lydia Patrick reports.

Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

Iceland earthquakes: Huge cracks appear on roads in volcano-threatened town

Friday 17 November 2023 02:00 , Tom Watling

Roads have begun to crack and buildings buckle under the pressure of underground magma as Iceland prepares for a possible volcanic eruption.

Around 900 earthquakes hit the south of the country on Monday 13 November, with tens of thousands of tremors reported in the region of Reykjanes in recent weeks.

“All roads to Grindavik are closed and traffic on them is forbidden,” the Road Administration of Iceland wrote on Facebook, sharing footage of the damage.

Huge cracks appear on roads in Iceland’s volcano-threatened town

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Friday 17 November 2023 01:00 , Tom Watling

Given the volcanic situation in Iceland, is it going to be another 2010 in aviation?

Simon Calder answers your questions on aviation, the land of ice and fire, and birthday in Albania.

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears of volcano eruption?

Friday 17 November 2023 00:00 , Tom Watling

Iceland has declared a state of emergency after hundreds of earthquakes struck the southwestern Reykjanes peninsula in the past 48 hours.

Despite fears of an impending volcanic eruption, flights from the UK to Keflavik international airport 10 miles north of the eruption site are going ahead as usual.

On Sunday 12 November, all scheduled flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Manchester landed without incident.

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption?

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

Thursday 16 November 2023 23:00 , Tom Watling

Iceland’s town of Grindavik faces a catastrophic countdown to a volcanic eruption that could see its destruction, experts have warned.

Almost 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik over the weekend as authorities feared that molten rock would rise to the surface of the earth and potentially hit the coastal town and a geothermal power station.

It comes as the country has been shaken by more than 880 small earthquakes, prompting fears that the tremors could disrupt the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country.

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

‘It’s like a dystopian movie’: Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

Thursday 16 November 2023 22:00 , Tom Watling

Residents from a small Icelandic town under threat from volcanic eruption have described ‘apocalyptic’ existence as they fear for their future.

Last Friday, thousands of Grindavik residents were ordered to leave as the town was rocked by hundreds of earthquakes. The small fishing town is 34 miles from Reykjavík and is home to the famous tourist attraction the Blue Lagoon.

Many have been unable to return to the ‘danger zone’ to collect their belongings, as earthquakes continue to strike the town.

Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

Thursday 16 November 2023 20:30 , Tom Watling

Iceland’s town of Grindavik faces a catastrophic countdown to a volcanic eruption that could see its destruction, experts have warned.

Almost 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik over the weekend as authorities feared that molten rock would rise to the surface of the earth and potentially hit the coastal town and a geothermal power station.

It comes as the country has been shaken by more than 880 small earthquakes, prompting fears that the tremors could disrupt the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country.

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Thursday 16 November 2023 19:30 , Tom Watling

Simon Calder answers your questions on aviation, the land of ice and fire, and birthday in Albania.

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Grindavik facing electricity outages

Thursday 16 November 2023 18:30 , Alexander Butler

The Icelandic town of Grindavik is facing electricity outages, according to the country’s civil defence authority.

“HS Orka‘s electrical distribution equipment in Grindavik is damaged in several places due to constant earthquakes and ground deformation.

“It is unclear if, and when, electricity will be back on in the area. An announcement via text message has been sent to users known to be affected by the power outages,” it said.

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Foreign office issues advice to Brits travelling to Iceland

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:30 , Alexander Butler

The Foreign Office has issued advice for British nationals travelling to Iceland amid earthquakes and fears of an imminent volcano eruption.

“Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik.

“The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjorn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon.

“On 10 November, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes. The town of Grindavík was evacuated as a precaution.

“Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area. Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal.

“While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur. You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities advice on travel to the area.”

Iceland’s ‘biggest bulldozer’ deployed to help

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:27 , Sam Rkaina

Iceland’s ‘biggest bulldozer’ has been deployed to help build defences in the event of any volcanic eruption.

The Caterpillar D11 weighs more than 100 tons, is 15ft tall and around 36ft long.

It was dispatched to an area near the Svartsengi geothermal power plant on Thursday morning to help create trenches that would reduce the damage caused if Fagradalsfjall erupts.

Over one thousand tremors before 2pm

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:30 , Alexander Butler

There have been 1,200 tremors between midnight and 2pm today on the peninsula, according to scientists.

However, none of the micro-earthquakes have hit above three on the Richter scale for several days. But despite the reduced seismic activity, the risk of volcanic eruptions remains high.

“Due to the release of tension, it is likely that the magma will have an easy way to the surface,” the Icelandic Met Office said.

‘There will likely be an eruption’, officials say

Thursday 16 November 2023 15:35 , Alexander Butler

There will be an eruption of some kind in Iceland over the coming days, despite one expert saying the chance of it happening is 30 per cent, Icelandic officials said.

Speaking to reporters, Kristin Jonsdottir, who is monitoring the seismic activity, said: “No, we think there is still a chance that there will be an eruption.”

When asked about micro-seismic activity underground, she said: “Yes, we are very vigilant about that. And we see it in the last eruptions that it is precisely when these signals start to reduce that it starts to shorten to an eruption.”

Iceland teachers ask for time and space to ‘process trauma’ of volcano threat

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:56 , Maira Butt

Iceland teachers have asked for time and space to process the trauma of evacuation amid an impending eruption.

The Icelandic Teachers Union issued a resolution urging privacy for Grindavik teachers affected, RUV reports.

The country is known to have one of the best education systems in Europe.

Red zone return going ‘better than yesterday’ according to police

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:30 , Maira Butt

Police report that red zone returns are going well today and report the operation has gone much better than yesterday, according to Iceland news source RUV.

According to the police, there aren’t as many cars waiting at Grindavíkurvégur checkpoints this afternoon.

Only one person per household is allowed to enter.

Safety deposit boxes moved from Grindavik bank

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:04 , Maira Butt

Over 150 safety deposit boxes have been moved from Grindavik bank following threats of a major eruption that could obliterate the village.

Iceland news channel RUV reports the boxes have been moved to the bank’s branch in Mjódd in Reykjavík where they will be available to customers starting tomorrow, November 17th.In an announcement on the bank’s website, it is said that the transfer of the boxes went quickly and safely.

Cars are beginning to enter the 'red zone'

Thursday 16 November 2023 12:31 , Alexander Butler

Residents are being allowed to head into the so-called “red zone” in Grindavik, Iceland, which is the area considered to be the most dangerous part of the town.

Only people who have been spoken to are allowed to enter, while local media reports some residents have turned up anyway, on the off chance they may be allowed in.

For a brief window, residents of the town will be able to grab belongings and leave again. Everyone else has been asked to email officials for access, according to Sky News.

‘No change’ in the situation overnight, police say

Thursday 16 November 2023 11:10 , Alexander Butler

There has been no change in the situation in Grindavik overnight, police chief Ulfar Ludviksson has told local media.

“My information is the situation has not changed since yesterday,” he said.

“Our agreement today is that we let people in from Grindavik and those who are allowed to enter the town are the residents we have contacted.

“All the residents who have the opportunity to enter the most dangerous area of ​​the town today have been called.”

Thirty per cent chance of eruption, experts say

Thursday 16 November 2023 09:51 , Alexander Butler

There is a 30 per cent chance of a volcanic eruption in Iceland, according to experts.

Thorvaldur Thordarson, a professor in petrology and volcanology at University of Iceland, said the probability of an eruption was at 30 per cent.

He had previously estimated a 60 per cent chance over the weekend, and a 40 per cent chance on Monday.

Blue Lagoon to remain closed until 30 November

Thursday 16 November 2023 08:33 , Alexander Butler

The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous attractions, will remain closed until the end of this month due to fears of a volcanic eruption.

It was initially set to close until Thursday but it will now remain shut until 30 November. Its surrounding hotels, spa and restaurants will also be closed.

The situation will be “regularly assessed”, officials said.

Earthquake interrupts Grindavik mayor’s interview

Thursday 16 November 2023 08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Iceland faces ‘decades’ of instability, experts warn

Thursday 16 November 2023 07:43 , Alexander Butler

Iceland’s south-western peninsula could face decades of volcanic instability, the Icelandic Met Office warned.

“We expect to see volcanic eruptions along the peninsula, not just repeatedly in the same location. This instability could last decades,” the Icelandic Met Office’s Matthew Roberts told the BBC.

It comes as almost 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik over the weekend as authorities feared that molten rock would rise to the surface of the earth.

Are flights still running amid fears of volcano eruption?

Thursday 16 November 2023 07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Iceland has declared a state of emergency after hundreds of earthquakes struck the southwestern Reykjanes peninsula in the past 48 hours.

Despite fears of an impending volcanic eruption, flights from the UK to Keflavik international airport 10 miles north of the eruption site are going ahead as usual.

More here.

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption?

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Thursday 16 November 2023 06:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

In April 2010, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted and caused a complete shutdown of aviation for a week. Anyone who has a flight booked imminently may be fretting about a possible repeat.

Thankfully, the circumstances are very different, writes Simon Calder.

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked

Thursday 16 November 2023 06:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. The Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik, is seething with seismic activity sparking hundreds of small earthquakes.

The town of Grindavík, just 10 miles south of Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated as a precaution.

Yet flights are continuing to arrive and depart as normal. These are the key questions and answers on consumer rights.

I am in Iceland. Will I be able to leave?

Yes, assuming the international airport remains open. So far operations have been normal. There are 14 arrivals and departures planned for Saturday from and to the UK, with no signs of disruption to flights.

Simon Calder has more.

Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked

Reykjanes peninsula could face volcanic instability ‘for decades’

Thursday 16 November 2023 05:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Iceland’s southwestern peninsula of Reykjanes could face volcanic instability for decades, the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) warned amid fears of an imminent volcanic eruption.

“We expect to see volcanic eruptions along the peninsula, not just repeatedly in the same location,” IMO’s Matthew Roberts told BBC, adding that the instability could last for decades.

It cut beneath the town of Grindavik, which was evacuated over the weekend, “almost like an underground freight train”, Dr Roberts said about the magma coursing into the ground that fractured rocks.

He told the broadcaster that residents would have to wait for weeks before they could return to the town. “We’re not expecting an explosive eruption,” he said.“

If that were to occur there would be lava flow to the south, possibly towards Grindavik, and also possibly north and westwards” towards the Svartsengi power station and the Blue Lagoon, Dr Roberts added.

2,000 earthquakes hit Iceland in 24 hours

Thursday 16 November 2023 05:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Nearly 2,000 earthquakes have been recorded in the past 24 hours in the magma tunnel at Sundhnukagiga, according to state broadcaster RUV.

Sigríðar Kristjánsdóttir, a natural disaster expert at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, said the situation remained the same as the last few days.

Authorities were struggling to work on repairs due to the lack of electricity in the eastern half of Grindavík, a town of nearly 4,000 people.

Massive cracks appear on roads in Grindavik ahead of volcano eruption

Thursday 16 November 2023 04:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Some Grindavik residents briefly allowed to enter town

Thursday 16 November 2023 04:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A small number of residents of Grindavik, the town evacuated due to fears of a volcanic eruption, will be allowed to go into the “red zone” to collect their belongings.

Officials will accompany each person, according to state broadcaster RUV.

Only one person from each family has been allotted a few minutes “to collect basic necessities”.

Iceland earthquakes: Huge cracks appear on roads in volcano-threatened town

Thursday 16 November 2023 04:00 , Tom Watling

Roads have begun to crack and buildings buckle under the pressure of underground magma as Iceland prepares for a possible volcanic eruption.

Around 900 earthquakes hit the south of the country on Monday 13 November, with tens of thousands of tremors reported in the region of Reykjanes in recent weeks.

“All roads to Grindavik are closed and traffic on them is forbidden,” the Road Administration of Iceland wrote on Facebook, sharing footage of the damage.

Huge cracks appear on roads in Iceland’s volcano-threatened town

Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon to remain shut till 30 November

Thursday 16 November 2023 03:21 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon spa will remain shut till 30 November amid fears of an imminent volcanic eruption.

The geothermal spa southwest of Reykjavik, which is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations, was closed on 9 November following a series of earthquakes that hit the region.

“Considering disruptions to our guests’ experience and the sustained pressure on our employees, these precautionary measures were taken to ensure safety and wellbeing for all,” it said in a statement.

“The closure will remain in effect until 7am on November 30, at which point the situation will be reassessed,” it added.

Grindavik couple fear losing their home after evacuating: ‘It’s a pretty grim situation’

Thursday 16 November 2023 03:00 , Tom Watling

A man who evacuated from a town in Iceland after earthquakes put the region on alert for a volcanic eruption said he fears he might never see his home again.

Caitlin McLean, from Scotland, was visiting her boyfriend, Gisli Gunnarsson, in Grindavik when they were forced to flee his home at midnight on Friday, packing only a few essential items, to stay with Mr Gunnarsson’s mother in Reykjavik.

Police evacuated Grindavik after seismic activity in the area moved south towards the town, with a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, now thought to be extending under the community, Iceland’s Meteorological Office said.

Grindavik couple fear losing home after evacuating: ‘It’s a pretty grim situation’

Couple cling to each other during Iceland earthquake

Thursday 16 November 2023 02:00 , Tom Watling

A couple cling to one another as their house shakes violently in an earthquake during a volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Caitlin McLean, from Scotland, was visiting her boyfriend, Gisli Gunnarsson, 29, in Grindavik when they were forced to flee his home at midnight on Friday (10 November) as his house shook and locals frantically evacuated the area.

Ms McLean, 34, captured the moment the furniture and light fixtures shook violently in Mr Gunnarsson’s home when the volcano erupted.

Police evacuated Grindavik after seismic activity in the area moved south towards the town, with a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, now thought to be extending under the community, Iceland’s Meteorological Office said.

Couple cling to each other during Iceland earthquake

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Thursday 16 November 2023 01:00 , Tom Watling

Simon Calder answers your questions on aviation, the land of ice and fire, and birthday in Albania.

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked

Thursday 16 November 2023 00:00 , Tom Watling

The earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. The Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik, is seething with seismic activity sparking hundreds of small earthquakes.

The town of Grindavík, just 10 miles south of Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated as a precaution.

Yet flights are continuing to arrive and depart as normal. These are the key questions and answers on consumer rights.

Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears of volcano eruption?

Wednesday 15 November 2023 23:00 , Tom Watling

Iceland has declared a state of emergency after hundreds of earthquakes struck the southwestern Reykjanes peninsula in the past 48 hours.

Despite fears of an impending volcanic eruption, flights from the UK to Keflavik international airport 10 miles north of the eruption site are going ahead as usual.

On Sunday 12 November, all scheduled flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Manchester landed without incident.

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption?