There is no rest in Grindavík, a fishing municipality located in the southwest of Iceland, which in the last few hours has recorded more than 300 earthquakes. Added to that figure are another 700 earthquakes that have occurred in recent days, with a magnitude of 3.1, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO).
Such seismic activity fuels fears of an eruption of the volcano. At the moment, increased levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and numerous cracks have been recorded. The last one is kilometer long and crosses some streets and avenues of the municipality, as can be seen in several photographs, and which yesterday was widened in some sections, according to the local authorities.
The appearance of this crack is not trivial, but would indicate that the magna is rising towards the surface, as confirmed by Benedikt Ófeigsson, one of those responsible for the IMO. According to his estimates, the magna would possibly be about 500 meters from the ground and he specifies that the increase in SO2 levels measured in the atmosphere is proof of its proximity.
Previously, the Bureau of Meteorology had reported that, based on geophysical models over the weekend, the intrusion was estimated to be spreading slowly upwards and the magma was believed to be 800 meters below the surface.
This increase in sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere has forced the authorities of Grindavík to evacuate the municipality, although they specify that this is not an emergency measure, but for safety reasons, and that a decision will be made later on whether to allow residents return to town today. In total, 4,000 people have had to leave their homes.
Fearing a volcanic eruption in Grindavík, Iceland has shielded a geothermal plant located in the southwest of the country, hoping to protect it from lava flows, for which walls have been built around it.
The plant produces hot and cold water and electricity for the Reykjanes Peninsula. A spokesperson for the operator HS Orka confirmed to Reuters that the plant supplies power to the entire country, although an interruption would not affect the power supply to the capital, Reykjavík.
