Grindavík, Iceland on High Alert as Volcanic Activity Increases

Scientists have raised concerns over the potential for a new volcanic eruption in southwestern Iceland, particularly affecting the seaside town of Grindavík. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported a significant uptick in seismic activity, with approximately 10 small earthquakes recorded in a 24-hour period and around 90 throughout the week. This increase in earthquakes mirrors patterns observed prior to the last eruption, which saw more than 50 quakes daily. The IMO has noted that magma is accumulating steadily beneath the Svartsengi crater, leading to ground deformation in the region. While there is some uncertainty in the data, scientists estimate that a new magma intrusion and subsequent eruption are "highly probable" within the next two to three weeks. Consequently, the hazard assessment has been updated, raising alert levels across most zones in the area. In the event of an eruption, officials warn that residents could have as little as 30 minutes of warning before lava reaches roads, potentially impacting escape routes. A more severe scenario could see lava flow towards Grindavík, threatening to cover land routes and reach the ocean, which poses additional hazards due to rapid cooling of lava upon contact with seawater. The region has been on alert since November 2023, following a series of earthquakes and the emergence of large cracks in local roads. The first eruption occurred in December, with subsequent eruptions reported in the following months, heightening the urgency of the current situation.