Volcanic eruption expected in Iceland, state of emergency declared

A swarm of earthquakes suggest an eruption is imminent, threatening a tourist town and the famous Blue Lagoon.

I’ve been haphazard in my postings the post week. Hopefully you’ve found them interesting and relevant, and thus forgive me. I’ll deliver a proper article next week.

I’m concerned for Iceland which I consider to be an almost miraculous country, an example of what the world (and women) could be. It’s a volcanic rock with an economy relying on lava and smoke surfacing in remote areas. This time, it may breech in the wrong place.

STATE OF EMERGENCY

Iceland has declared a state of emergency and issued an orange alert which means:

"The volcano shows increased activity and a growing likelihood of a volcanic eruption, or, a volcanic eruption is underway, although with little or no ash production.”

A swarm of earthquakes, 150 in one hour alone, has occured in the Sundhnúkagígar region. It’s expected that an eruption may occur near the fishing town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon, the tourist attraction that’s famous despite Brooke Shields not swimming there. The ground is swelling, roads are buckling. What’s happening 4km below the surface wants to say hello.

Notably, the Svartsengi Power Plant is located here. It supplies heat to 21,000 homes which, given the country’s name, is more than important - the real feel temperature in Grindavik is currently -4C, with Winter yet to arrive. The town, which lies 53km south-west of the capital Reykjavik, has been evacuated. With many Ukrainian refugees, I expect that accommodation is limited.

Seisomologists are in disagreement where the breach will be so we can only wait for Nature to introduce itself, and hope that molten rock flows away from homes, naked Vikings, and my dream of a better world. Better still, may it subside and never eat beans so wantonly again.

KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING

Keep yourself up to date by checking into the Reykjavik Grapevine, Iceland Review, and IceNews. I follow them in that order of importance.

I’m posted explanatory videos below, and end with a pleasant hike, one of my favourite relaxation videos (and exercise for your weekend).

RELAX

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UPDATE NOVEMBER 12

UPDATE NOVEMBER 13

UPDATE DECEMBER 19 - ERUPTION

JANUARY 14 2024- GRINDAVIK BURNING