Iceland Experiencing Increased Seismic Activity On Reykjanes Peninsula

Iceland’s National Police Commissioner raised the Civil Protection Service Level from Alert to Emergency on Nov. 10 in response to increasing seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

This is the highest level of Civil Protection Service Levels, indicating an event which has already begun and could lead, or already has led to, harm to people, communities, properties or the environment.

At this stage, immediate measures have been taken to ensure security, save lives and prevent casualties, damage and or loss.

Iceland’s well-known Blue Lagoon geothermal pool has closed for a week due to the seismic activity around the site.

Scientists at the Icelandic Meteorological Office have been observing increased seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula that began on October 24.

There are strong indicators of a looming eruption in an area close to the town of Grindavík.

The increasing likelihood of a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula has prompted the precautionary evacuation of the town Grindavík to ensure the safety of the residents.

At the moment, however, it’s not possible to conclude when an eruption might occur or accurately pinpoint exactly where it might surface.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office, The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and a team of scientists from the University of Iceland are closely monitoring the situation and analyzing the developments.

Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity, and there have been three eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the last three years.

Icelandic authorities and the public are highly prepared for such events, and Iceland has one of the world’s most effective volcanic preparedness measures. Iceland’s geoscientists possess vast experience in dealing with volcanic activities.

Currently, it’s not possible to conclude what effects a possible volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula might have on flight traffic to and from Iceland. It is not possible to say when an eruption might unfold or accurately pinpoint where it might surface.

The eruption’s location and size will determine whether or not this event will affect flight traffic and travellers are advised to contact their airline for additional information.

PHOTO Caption

On the map, the red dot indicates the location of the town Grindavík