Iceland declares state Of emergency after 800 earthquakes within 14 hours

Iceland has declared a state of emergency after experiencing a series of powerful earthquakes on its southwestern Reykjanes peninsula, culminating in approximately 800 quakes within a 14-hour period. The largest tremor, measuring 5.2 in magnitude, occurred north of Grindavik. Authorities issued the state of emergency as a precautionary measure, expressing concerns that the seismic activity could be a precursor to a volcanic eruption. The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management emphasized the possibility of larger earthquakes and warned of the potential for an eruption, urging preparedness.

The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) stated that an eruption could occur in several days, with the village of Grindavik, housing around 4,000 residents, being particularly at risk. Evacuation plans for Grindavik are in place, and police have closed a damaged road to the village. The IMO noted an accumulation of magma underground, indicating the potential for a volcanic eruption.

While the most likely scenario suggests several days before magma reaches the surface, authorities are taking precautions, including dispatching the patrol vessel Thor to Grindavik for security purposes. Emergency shelters and help centers have been set up, and contingency plans are in place for critical infrastructure, such as the Svartsengi geothermal plant and the Blue Lagoon tourist destination.