The eruption risk at Grindavík, a fishing town on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, remains present and cannot yet be discounted, according to Icelandic geologist and former member of parliament Ari Trausti Guðmundsson. The warning was reported by Mannlíf on Saturday. The continued risk could affect residents, local infrastructure and travel in the area.
Guðmundsson emphasised that as long as ground uplift continues in the Grindavík area, the danger of further volcanic activity persists. He said it is not possible to assert that the volcanic activity has ended, and authorities should not dismiss the hazard at this time.
Grindavík, a town of about 3,700 people, was evacuated in November 2023 following increased volcanic activity. Many residents work in the fishing industry, and the town is also known for the nearby Blue Lagoon. The Reykjanes region has experienced several volcanic episodes in recent years.
Weather system could complicate response
Meanwhile, a deep low pressure area is approaching Iceland and will move over Scotland tonight, a meteorologist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office said, according to Vísir. Winds are expected to strengthen along the southeast coast overnight, and a trough will bring rain or snow, especially to the mountains.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands) is the national weather agency and monitors volcanoes as well as weather events across the country. The office coordinates with civil protection authorities during eruptions and other emergencies.
Sources
- Mannlíf (first reported) in Icelandic
- Vísir in Icelandic
Image: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) · licence, original (resized) Illustrative image.
