NEARLY 3,000 residents of Grindavík, Iceland, have been evacuated due to an escalating volcanic threat following a series of 800 earthquakes in 14 hours.
Cars were seen queuing near the established checkpoints, as well as police officers assisting the residents.
The situation intensified after a sinkhole, indicating a close-to-surface magma tunnel, was discovered under the town.
Volcanologist Thorvaldur Þórðarson told the local channel of Iceland that the sinkhole’s presence suggests an imminent eruption within Grindavík.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office issued a statement citing a ‘considerable’ risk of an eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, with Professor Thorvaldur Thordarson stating that the chance of eruption has significantly increased, estimating it could happen within hours or days.
A state of emergency was declared on November 10 after powerful earthquakes hit the southwestern Reykjanes Peninsula.
The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management highlighted the potential for larger earthquakes and an eruption in the coming days.
Although seismic activity had reportedly decreased, Iceland authorities maintained that the potential for an eruption remained significant.
Over the weekend, nearly 4,000 people were evacuated as concerns rose about molten rock reaching the surface, posing a threat to a coastal town and a geothermal power station.
With roads near Grindavik showing signs of splitting apart and evidence of magma spreading underground, experts highlighted a nine-mile river of magma beneath the peninsula, heightening the risk to Grindavik.
As a precaution, authorities are urging residents to stay informed through official channels and promptly follow evacuation orders.
Iceland is on high alert as the nation prepares for a potential volcanic eruption in the immediate future.
