Volcanic eruption starts near Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Volcanic eruption starts near Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

A new volcanic fissure eruption started at 22:17 UTC on December 18, 2023, about 4 km (2.5 miles) NE of the town of Grindavik, Reykjanes, Iceland. The eruptive fissure is about 4 km long, with the northern end just east of Stóra-Skógfell and the southern end just east of Sundhnúk.

High risk of eruption near Grindavík: 15-km long magma intrusion identified northwest of town, Iceland

High risk of eruption near Grindavík: 15-km long magma intrusion identified northwest of town, Iceland

A new update from the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) at 18:30 UTC today has raised significant concerns about an imminent volcanic eruption near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The latest data, stemming from a crucial status meeting involving the IMO, the University of Iceland, and the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, points to a substantial risk of volcanic activity in the coming days.

Emergency declared as record-high magma accumulation and intense earthquake swarm force Grindavík evacuation, Iceland

Emergency declared as record-high magma accumulation and intense earthquake swarm force Grindavík evacuation, Iceland

In response to a significant escalation in seismo-volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, characterized by an exceptional accumulation of magma, the intrusion of a substantial dike, and an intense earthquake swarm, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) and Civil Defense authorities have implemented critical safety protocols on November 10, 2023. These measures include the mandatory evacuation of Grindavík and the proclamation of a state of emergency