There is a volcanic eruption in the vicinity of Grindavik in Iceland. The inhabitants of the city and tourists staying in the famous blue lagoon were evacuated preventively. In the morning, seismic activity is underway in the region. The shocks were felt in many regions of the country.
On Tuesday morning, a swarm of earthquakes was recorded on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. Seismic activity around Sundhnukur was accompanied by underground magma movements. Around 10 o'clock, lava flowed out of the volcanic gap.
Seismic activity, shocks
Seismic activity was noted throughout the day in the Grindavik region. Just before 5pm, there were three shocks, one of them had a magnitude of 5.3, the Icelandic Meteorological Bureau (FVI) said. The phenomenon was clearly felt in many regions of the country, also in the capital, Rejkiavik – reported the public broadcaster of RUV.
Jóhanna Malen Skúladóttir, a specialist in natural threats, said that shocks are caused by changes in stress in the earth's crust as a result of ongoing eruption.
Earlier, Benedikt Ewfeigsson from FVI said that the eruption was beginning to weaken.
– We cannot definitely say that this is the end, but this specific eruption seems to weaken significantly and can approach the end. However, it is too early to say it with certainty – he supplemented.
Mobilization of forces and evacuation
To ensure the safety of residents and tourists, evacuation was carried out in the region. According to civil defense, there was a town of Grindavik in the danger zone, in which 40 houses were inhabited, as well as the famous Blue Laguna swimming pool, in which 200 people stayed, including 150 guests. Forces and specialized equipment were mobilized in the area.
The Keflavik International Airport located on the Reykjanes Peninsula operates without interference – informed Isavia Airports. No harmful gases from eruption in regions inhabited by people were noted.
Another eruption
This is the eighth eruption in recent years in a number of Sundhnukur crater. The previous ones caused destruction in Grindavik, including the pouring of several houses with lava. Since then, most residents have not returned.
Source of the main photo: Enex