Iceland volcano – live: Evacuation zone ‘still dangerous’ as eruption could happen with only minutes’ notice
The evacuation zone in Iceland is “still dangerous”, a civil protection official has told The Independent, with current conditions leaving just a few minutes’ warning of a feared volcano eruption.
A fortnight since Grindavik was evacuated, after magma-induced seismic activity tore vast chasms through the streets of the town, officials are expected to lower the threat level in the area on Thursday – enabling residents to return for longer periods to collect their valuables.
Speaking to The Independent as international media were allowed back into the town for the first time, one civil defence official said: “It is still dangerous here ... I have never seen anything like it before. Usually we will have a few minutes warning to get out but with the weather like it is today we have even less.”
In addition to fears of weather hampering monitoring systems, civil protection chief Vídir Reynisson told Fox News: “The challenge that we have is that we will not see any strong evidence that the magma is coming up, we will see some small earthquakes and we can see how they will probably form in one place rather than another.”
Key Points
Evacuation zone 'still dangerous' as eruption could occur with only minutes' notice
Authorities to revise threat level near Grindavik
Ground near power plant swells as chamber beneath floods with magma
Peninsula braced for new ‘eruptive cycle’ to bring decades of volcanic instability
When will Iceland volcano erupt and what happens when it does?
On the ground in Grindavik: Christmas decorations flicker and children’s bikes left to rust
Grindavik earthquake risk lowered from emergency to danger level on Thursday
12:37 , Tara Cobham
As a result of a decrease in activity since the start of the week, the risk level related to earthquakes in Grindavik was lowered from emergency to danger level on Thursday, Iceland’s civil defence authority said in a statement.
Five ministers from the Icelandic parliament visited Grindavik on Friday, where evacuated residents have been allowed back since Thursday to pick up more personal belongings.
But it will be months before they all are able to move back to Grindavik due to infrastructure damage, Icelandic media RUV quoted public safety director Vidir Reynisson as saying.
Met Office issues magma warning as likelihood of imminent eruption remains
12:02 , Tara Cobham
A warning over the risks of emerging magma and the persistent likelihood of an imminent eruption of the Icelandic volcano has been issued by the country’s Met Office.
In its latest update, the forecaster warned: “The likelihood of a volcanic eruption at some location along the length of the magma intrusion persists.” It added that the area between Hagafell and Sýlingarfell still faces the possibility that “magma could emerge”.
A fortnight ago, Grindavik was evacuated after magma-induced seismic activity tore vast chasms through the streets of the town. While hundreds of earthquakes are still hitting the surrounding area daily, “seismic activity continues to decrease”, said the Icelandic Met Office, adding: “The likelihood of an imminent volcanic eruption diminishes with time.”
Daring residents who went back to save pets from evacuated Icelandic town
11:26 , Barney Davis in Iceland
Hundreds of pets have been rescued from Iceland’s town of Grindavik, after they were separated from their owners over threats of an imminent volcanic eruption.
Charities have taken part in a number of rescue efforts in a bid to save animals in the town with rescuers returning to look for animals.
Cats, dogs, hamsters and even hens were at the centre of rescue efforts after many were left behind following evacuation orders which gave residents minutes to leave. Over 4,000 people were evacuated.
Read more here:
Rescue effort to save pets left behind in Iceland town evacuated by volcano threat
In pictures: The chaos caused by the Iceland volcano
10:16 , Tara Cobham
Watch: Residents come back to clear out unstable homes in Grindavik
09:31 , Tara Cobham
Iceland remains on eruption alert as seismic activity wanes
08:48 , Tara Cobham
Icelandic authorities said on Friday they were still on alert for a volcanic eruption in the southwest Reykjanes peninsula, although the odds were falling after a drop in seismic activity.
Iceland has been living with a high risk of an eruption since seismic activity and underground lava flows increased in the region near the capital Reykjavik in late October.
The Metrological Office said in a statement that an eruption in or near the evacuated town of Grindavik was now seen as less likely and that volcanic magma is most likely to rise in the area between Hagafell and Sýlingarfell.
"Seismic activity continues to decrease," it said, adding that "the likelihood of eruption decreases over time".
Five ministers from the Icelandic parliament visited Grindavik on Friday, where evacuated residents have been allowed back since Thursday to pick up more personal belongings.
But it will be months before they all are able to move back to Grindavik due to infrastructure damage, Icelandic media RUV quoted public safety director Vidir Reynisson as saying.
As a result of a decrease in activity since the start of the week, the risk level related to earthquakes in Grindavik was lowered from emergency to danger level on Thursday, Iceland's civil defence authority said in a statement.
Inside the abandoned Iceland town left in limbo by a volcano
05:00 , Alexander Butler
A sense of trepidation builds on the coach as we are waved through the roadblock that has held back people from returning to the Icelandic town of Grindavik amid an “imminent” volcanic eruption warning.
But the volunteer rescue forces posted on guard duty in battering 32mph winds have to follow the strict instructions of Iceland’s tourist minister. There is a lot of high-speed arguing in Icelandic, and eventually we pass through.
The coach is carrying the world’s media for the first time since the initial 5.2-magnitude earthquake gripped the globe’s attention. But after days of stalemate, fears of Iceland’s economy tanking, and rumours spreading of the entire country disappearing beneath the Atlantic, the government has reluctantly allowed the press to visit the site.
Inside the abandoned Iceland town left in limbo by a volcano
Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked
04:00 , Alexander Butler
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
When will the Iceland volcano erupt and what happens when it does?
03:00 , Alexander Butler
As an imminent eruption looms thousands of Iceland residents await their fate as their town could be wiped out within days.
Thousands of earthquakes rocked the southwestern peninsula of Reykjanes on Saturday 11 November leading semi-molten rock to ravage below the surface as the tremors caused a 15km long dyke to form, cracking the community in two as the ground was pushed upwards.
Some 3,400 residents from the town of Grindavik which lies on the path of the expected fissure vent eruption were forced to evacuate, they described the ‘apocalyptic’ scenes of their much-loved home town as they briefly returned to collect their belongings.
When will the Iceland volcano erupt and what happens when it does?
‘It’s like a dystopian movie’: Iceland residents describe ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as they flee volcano threat
01:00 , Alexander Butler
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
Every resident of an Icelandic town was evacuated due to a volcano. Daring rescuers went back to save the pets
00:00 , Alexander Butler
Hundreds of pets have been rescued from Iceland’s town of Grindavik, after they were separated from their owners over threats of an imminent volcanic eruption.
Charities have taken part in a number of rescue efforts in a bid to save animals in the town with rescuers returning to look for animals.
Cats, dogs, hamsters and even hens were at the centre of rescue efforts after many were left behind following evacuation orders which gave residents minutes to leave. Over 4,000 people were evacuated.
Rescue effort to save pets left behind in Iceland town evacuated by volcano threat
ICYMI: Iceland residents fleeing imminent volcanic eruption told they face months away from home
Friday 24 November 2023 18:00 , Matt Mathers
Experts have revealed the likely eruption site of a volcano in Iceland, as authorities warn evacuees they may not return home for months.
Iceland has seen more than 1,700 earthquakes in the last 24 hours, according to the country’s Met Office, with most of the activity north of Hagafell.
Athena Stavrou reports:
Iceland officials reveal where volcano will likely erupt
Iceland volcano could erupt like a ‘can of fizzy drink’
Friday 24 November 2023 16:00 , 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.
Full report:
Iceland volcano could erupt like a ‘can of fizzy drink’
Chances of eruption in Grindavik ‘low’ and ‘decreasing daily' - Iceland Met Office
Friday 24 November 2023 14:27 , Matt Mathers
The chances of an eruption in Grindavik are “low” and “decreasing daily”, Iceland’s Met Office has said.
However, there remains a “plausible” chance of a volcanic eruption between Hagafell and Sýlingarfell.
“Based on the latest data, and considering the evolution of activity since 10 November, the likelihood of a sudden eruption within the Grindavík urban area is decreasing daily, and it is presently assessed as low,” the IMO states.
“It can be assumed that newly emplaced magma beneath Grindavík has solidified partially, thereby reducing the likelihood that the magma will reach the surface within the city limits.
“However, we emphasize that the possibility of a volcanic eruption at some point along the length of the intrusion, particularly between Hagafell and Sýlingarfell, remains plausible.”
When will the Iceland volcano erupt and what happens when it does?
Friday 24 November 2023 13:27 , Matt Mathers
As an imminent eruption looms thousands of Iceland residents await their fate as their town could be wiped out within days.
Thousands of earthquakes rocked the southwestern peninsula of Reykjanes on Saturday 11 November leading semi-molten rock to ravage below the surface as the tremors caused a 15km long dyke to form, cracking the community in two as the ground was pushed upwards.
Lydia Patrick reports:
When will the Iceland volcano erupt and what happens when it does?
Iceland braces for ‘imminent’ volcanic eruption with just 30 minutes warning
Friday 24 November 2023 12:30 , Matt Mathers
Iceland watches on helplessly as rescue workers escorting locals back to the evacuated fishing town of Grindavik say it is “now a waiting game” before an eruption.
Gripped viewers are glued to main TV News channel RUV.is as it plays a live stream of the glowing crater with modern Icelandic electronic music underneath as the countdown continued on Tuesday.
Barney Davis reports from Iceland:
Iceland glued to ‘imminent’ volcano eruption amid 30 minute warning
Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked
Friday 24 November 2023 11:49 , Matt Mathers
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? Simon Calder reports:
Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked
Every resident of an Icelandic town was evacuated due to a volcano. Daring rescuers went back to save the pets
Friday 24 November 2023 10:45 , Matt Mathers
Cats, dogs, hamsters and even hens were at the centre of rescue efforts, reports Barney Davis from Iceland.
Read Barney’s full report here:
Rescue effort to save pets left behind in Iceland town evacuated by volcano threat
ICYMI: Inside the abandoned Iceland town left in limbo by a volcano
Friday 24 November 2023 08:35 , Matt Mathers
A sense of trepidation builds on the coach as we are waved through the roadblock that has held back people from returning to the Icelandic town of Grindavik amid an “imminent” volcanic eruption warning.
But the volunteer rescue forces posted on guard duty in battering 32mph winds have to follow the strict instructions of Iceland’s tourist minister. There is a lot of high-speed arguing in Icelandic, and eventually we pass through.
Barney Davis reports from Grindavik:
Inside the abandoned Iceland town left in limbo by a volcano
Businesses operating in Grindavik to receive housing assistance
Friday 24 November 2023 06:01 , Alexander Butler
Companies and businesses operating in the small fishing town of Grindavik would be able to request assistance in finding housing.
Companies are urged to register information related to their business on the website island.is/grindavik.
They have been asked to fill in the minimum requirement in square metres and the “number of employees at the company that need work facilities on the premises”.
Iceland residents fleeing imminent volcanic eruption told they face months away from home
Friday 24 November 2023 05:01 , Alexander Butler
At a Civil Defence briefing last week, director Víðir Reynisson said there was significant damage to houses and pipes in the evacuated town of Grindavik, my colleague Athena Stavrou reports.
The fishing town has been the most affected area in Iceland, as the magma tunnel snakes beneath the ground leaving huge cracks in roads.
While the eruption is most likely to happen in Hagafell, there is a possibility that it could happen anywhere along the magma tunnel.
Mr Reynisson 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 for five minutes this week to collect their valuables and pets but need prior authorisation.
Iceland officials reveal where volcano will likely erupt
Owners of over 100 properties allowed to enter Grindavik briefly
Friday 24 November 2023 04:01 , Alexander Butler
The owners of more than 100 properties were allowed to enter Grindavik briefly to collect their belongings that were left behind during the evacuation last week.
Nearly 4,000 residents of the small fishing town were evacuated after a swarm of earthquakes triggered a volcano eruption warning.
All the residents were asked to arrive at a meeting point outside Grindavik, following which they were escorted into the town and back by security personnel.
Iceland volcano could erupt like a ‘can of fizzy drink’
Friday 24 November 2023 03:01 , Alexander Butler
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.
Iceland volcano could erupt like a ‘can of fizzy drink’
When will the Iceland volcano erupt and what happens when it does?
Friday 24 November 2023 02:01 , Alexander Butler
As an imminent eruption looms thousands of Iceland residents await their fate as their town could be wiped out within days.
Thousands of earthquakes rocked the southwestern peninsula of Reykjanes on Saturday 11 November leading semi-molten rock to ravage below the surface as the tremors caused a 15km long dyke to form, cracking the community in two as the ground was pushed upwards.
Some 3,400 residents from the town of Grindavik which lies on the path of the expected fissure vent eruption were forced to evacuate, they described the ‘apocalyptic’ scenes of their much-loved home town as they briefly returned to collect their belongings.
When will the Iceland volcano erupt and what happens when it does?
Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked
Friday 24 November 2023 01:01 , Alexander Butler
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
Icelandic authorities consider plan to pump water on to lava if volcano erupts
Friday 24 November 2023 00:01 , Alexander Butler
Icelandic authorities are considering a plan to pump water on to lava in the event of a volcanic eruption that has been looming over the town of Grindavík for several weeks.
Authorities would use the water to cool and divert the flow of lava to protect the fishing port of 4,000 people on Iceland’s southern Reykjanes peninsula.
Residents were evacuated from Grindavík on 11 November after magma shifting under the Earth’s crust caused hundreds of earthquakes – a warning of a likely volcanic eruption – and thousands of smaller tremors have shaken the region since.
Inside the abandoned Iceland town left in limbo by a volcano
Thursday 23 November 2023 23:00 , Alexander Butler
A sense of trepidation builds on the coach as we are waved through the roadblock that has held back people from returning to the Icelandic town of Grindavik amid an “imminent” volcanic eruption warning, Barney Davis reports from Reykjavik.
But the volunteer rescue forces posted on guard duty in battering 32mph winds have to follow the strict instructions of Iceland’s tourist minister. There is a lot of high-speed arguing in Icelandic, and eventually we pass through.
The coach is carrying the world’s media for the first time since the initial 5.2-magnitude earthquake gripped the globe’s attention.
Inside the abandoned Iceland town left in limbo by a volcano
Iceland braces for ‘imminent’ volcanic eruption with just 30 minutes warning
Thursday 23 November 2023 21:45 , Alexander Butler
Iceland watches on helplessly as rescue workers escorting locals back to the evacuated fishing town of Grindavik say it is “now a waiting game” before an eruption, Barney Davis reports from Reykjavík.
Gripped viewers are glued to main TV News channel RUV.is as it plays a live stream of the glowing crater with modern Icelandic electronic music underneath as the countdown continued on Tuesday.
It comes as 1,200 households scramble to grab as many “heartfelt” objects as they can under observation from rescue teams from the town above the volatile Reykjanes Peninsula.
Iceland glued to ‘imminent’ volcano eruption amid 30 minute warning
New parents refuse to return to Iceland fishing town rocked by earthquake
Thursday 23 November 2023 20:45 , Alexander Butler
A Grindavik couple have refused to return to their home deeming it not safe enough to raise their new baby after the 5.2 magnitude earthquake rocked the Icelandic fishing town, Barney Davis reports from Reykjavík.
Guðjón and his wife Ayça EriÅkin, who had their first child on Wednesday, said they had decided not to go back to Grindavik despite setting up their family home there.
Guðjón, a rock musician born and raised in the harbour town told The Independent: “While I fully understand people that intend to go back whenever possible and I do feel a strong urge to do so myself, we want to find a stable home for us and our newborn child.”
People refuse to return to Iceland town rocked by earthquake: ‘We need a stable home’
Every resident of an Icelandic town was evacuated due to a volcano. Daring rescuers went back to save the pets
Thursday 23 November 2023 19:45 , Alexander Butler
Hundreds of pets have been rescued from Iceland’s town of Grindavik, after they were separated from their owners amid threats of an imminent volcanic eruption.
Charities have taken part in a number of rescue efforts in a bid to save animals in the town with brave rescuers returning to look for animals.
Cats, dogs, hamsters and even hens were at the centre of rescue efforts after many were left behind following evacuation orders which gave residents minutes to leave.
Rescue effort to save pets left behind in Iceland town evacuated by volcano threat
Iceland: Roads with cracks across Grindavik as volcano threatens to erupt
Thursday 23 November 2023 18:45 , Alexander Butler
Risk level cut from emergency to critical
Thursday 23 November 2023 17:45 , Jane Dalton
Grindavík has been brought down from emergency level to critical level, according to Iceland Monitor.
The decision was taken following new information from the Icelandic Met Office by the governor of the state police in consultation with the chief of Police of the southern peninsula region, the site said.
“The likelihood of a sudden eruption within the town limits of Grindavík has been decreasing every day and is now considered low.”
Iceland volcano: Seismologist spots earthquake during equipment explanation
Thursday 23 November 2023 16:20 , Alexander Butler
Chances of eruption in urban area now low, say experts
Thursday 23 November 2023 15:09 , Jane Dalton
The likelihood of a sudden eruption in the area of Grindavík, southwest Iceland, is decreasing daily, according to the Icelandic Met Office.
The experts warned an eruption elsewhere, between Hagafell and Sýlingarfell, was possible.
But they added: “However, as crustal relaxation continues to occur and seismicity decreases, along with a decrease in magma inflow to the intrusion, the likelihood of an imminent volcanic eruption diminishes with time.
“Based on the latest data, and considering the evolution of activity since 10 November, the likelihood of a sudden eruption within the Grindavík urban area is decreasing daily, and it is presently assessed as low.
“It can be assumed that newly emplaced magma beneath Grindavík has solidified partially, thereby reducing the likelihood that the magma will reach the surface within the city limits. However, we emphasise that the possibility of a volcanic eruption at some point along the length of the intrusion, particularly between Hagafell and Sýlingarfell, remains plausible.”
Seismic activity appears to decrease near magma dyke
Thursday 23 November 2023 13:37 , Andy Gregory
The number of earthquakes recorded near the magma dyke has decreased in recent days, monitoring suggests.
According to the Icelandic Met Office, approximately 300 earthquakes were detected there on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, around 100 earthquakes had been recorded as of 6pm in the same region, while the intensity of earthquakes above magnitude 2.0 has also decreased.
Efforts are being made to assess how weather conditions and ocean swell influenced the Met Office’s monitoring systems during the period of severe weather over that period, the meteorological agency said.
Iceland peninsula could be entering 300-year period of volcanic activity, seismologist says
Thursday 23 November 2023 12:23 , Andy Gregory
My colleague Barney Davis has been speaking to Iceland’s top seismologist, Professor Páll Einarsson, who talked The Independent through his various sensors as they picked up another earthquake in Grindavik.
Prof Einarsson was brought out of retirement to study the huge volume of earthquakes. He is measuring tremors using the movement of fibre optic cables laid across the faultline initially to provide broadband to Grindavik.
He said he would be happy to move back to Grindavik but its still far too unstable to move his family.
“The last eruption was 1214 since then none until 2021 which is 800 years of slumber,” said the seismologist.
“We may now be may be at the beginning of an active period for the next two or three centuries.”
Christmas decorations flicker and children’s bikes left to rust in Grindavik
Thursday 23 November 2023 10:43 , Andy Gregory
My colleague Barney Davis was among the first international journalists to enter the evacuated town of Grindavik yesterday. He reports:
The once bustling harbour town has been left empty since 10 November – the day the ground opened up and caused all the children and the elderly to flee, not knowing what was around the corner or if they would even see home again.
Early Christmas decorations are left still switched on and children’s bikes have been left to rust in the front yard of a home with an enormous crack down the side – simply because it stood in the way of the shuddering faultline stretching from the mountains through the little town and into the Atlantic.
One street has its houses now kneeling forwards and a huge fissure splits Grindavik’s only old people’s home.
The town’s fish and chip shop still has its garish advertising hoarding switched on offering an eerie respite from the horrific hailstorms that descend every three minutes upon this desperate Englishman.
Evacuating 3,700 residents was no mean feat. They were told to turn off the electricity in their homes and close all windows. You can see the signs flapping in the high winds, declaring the home was successfully emptied.
Collapsed homes, sinkholes and broken roads: Inside Iceland’s ghost town of Grindavik
Evacuation zone 'still dangerous' as eruption could occur with only minutes' notice
Thursday 23 November 2023 09:23 , Andy Gregory
The evacuation zone at Grindavik is “still dangerous”, with conditions meaning residents would have just a few minutes’ warning to escape prior to an eruption. a civil defence official has told The Independent.
Speaking to The Independent as international media were allowed into the town for the first time since it was evacuated, Hjordis Gudmundsdottir said: “It is still dangerous here. This is why we don’t let normal people or the media in until now.
“I have never seen anything like it before. Usually we will have a few minutes warning to get out but with the weather like it is today we have even less.” A weather warning is in place for strong gale-force winds in eastern Iceland.
It came as authorities said rescue workers could get as little as “30 minutes’ notice” before the anticipated volcanic eruption.
“The challenge that we have is that we will not see any strong evidence that the magma is coming up, we will see some small earthquakes and we can see how they will probably form in one place rather than another,” Vídir Reynisson, the head of the civil protection and emergency management agency, told Fox News.
Grindavik residents allowed to return for full days to collect items
Thursday 23 November 2023 09:02 , Andy Gregory
Residents in the evacuated town of Grindavik will be allowed to return to their homes for much longer than previously to rescue their valuables.
Authorities are expected to lower the threat level in the area at 11am this morning, from which point it is intended that residents will be permitted to be in Grindavik between the hours of 9am and 4pm every day.
Residents can now drive themselves to the town rather than be escorted by emergency officials, and advised to walk to and from their homes in a way that allows them to evacuate at short notice.
Emergency risk set to be revised. police say
Thursday 23 November 2023 08:16 , Andy Gregory
The threat level in the area of Grindavik is set to be revised at 11am – from one of “emergency” to “danger”, police said on Wednesday evening.
The police commissioner and local authorities made the decision following a new assessment by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, which states that the probability of a sudden eruption within the town limits of Grindavík has been decreasing every day and is now considered small.
Land is still rising in Svarteng and the magma there could flow again under the magma tunnel under Grindavík, but the Norwegian Meteorological Agency said that signs of this would be detectable on seismic and GPS sensors.
There is still a possibility of a volcanic eruption in the area above the magma tunnel, most likely between Hagafell and Sýlingarfell, and civil defence teams will continue to keep the area well patrolled.
In case you missed it: The Independent at site of road blockade to Grindavik
Thursday 23 November 2023 00:03 , Maira Butt
Only pre-approved residents were allowed access to Grindavik on Wednesday as 78 who registered request to return to collect belongings were allowed through from 9am.
The Independent’s Barney Davis reported from the scene of an emergency blockade staffed by search and rescue workers.
Only an 18-wheeler lorry was allowed through.
Civil Defence press conference summary
Wednesday 22 November 2023 23:03 , Maira Butt
Officials held a press conference on Wednesday to update the public on the most recent developments following the Icelandic Met Office’s “high risk” of volcanic eruption.
The Red Cross advised that it was ok to be “gentle” during this time, advocating the use of “age appropriate” language when speaking to young children.
Víðir Reynisson, the Director of Civil Protection, said that a group of experts would be looking at the possibility of pumping water over the lava to cool it in the event the volcano erupted.
Over 700 people have requested housing after being evacuated from the town of Grindavik.
Officials confirmed that media access would be reconsidered and reporters would be allowed a better opportunity to take photos and cover the story.
Police thanked volunteers and emergency services and reminded people that services were getting used to a new situation.
Danger zone expanded by Iceland Met Office
Wednesday 22 November 2023 22:02 , Maira Butt
The site of Grindavik’s volcanic eruption has been expanded to include a wider area in its ‘danger zone’.
Iceland’s Met Office expanded the area on Tuesday amid suggestions that a larger area than expected could be affected. See the most recent map below.
There are three danger areas as can be seen on the above map, according to The Iceland Monitor:
Orange: Danger zone A: Danger due to seismic activity.
Red: Danger zone B: Danger due to possible eruption (including the earth cracking open suddenly, eruption with little forewarning, lava flowing and dangerous gas pollution).
Purple: Danger zone C: Increased danger of eruption like in zone B, and even more danger of earth opening suddenly and dangerous gas pollution. In this zone escape routes need to be clear, gas monitors are needed and gasmasks if you go into the area.
Earthquakes around Grindavik a ‘harbinger’ of bigger events in future
Wednesday 22 November 2023 21:01 , Maira Butt
Earthquakes in and around Grindavík can be a harbinger of other and bigger events in the near future, according to RUV’s Kveikur.
They report that an eruption could herald a reshaping of the Rekjanes peninsula.
Critical infrastructure could be destroyed and some residents have told The Independent that they would reconsider moving back in future.
Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked
Wednesday 22 November 2023 20:01 , Maira Butt
Simon Calder reports:
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. You may be keen to leave earlier than booked, in order to guarantee your getaway, but at present you will not be able to switch flights without paying a penalty.
Read the full piece here.
In pictures: roads rendered unusable following thousands of earthquakes
Wednesday 22 November 2023 19:03 , Alexander Butler
