The town of Grindavik on the southwest coast was evacuated early Saturday morning after shifting magma beneath the earth's crust triggered hundreds of earthquakes, believed to be a precursor to an eruption. Find out more about why experts predict an eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano and what is known about the evacuation

Iceland is preparing for a volcanic eruption, which experts predict will happen in the next few days. The cause for concern was a series of earthquakes in the southwest of the country - on the Reykjanes peninsula, where the Fagradalsfjatl volcano is located, 800 tremors were recorded in a matter of hours. In total, about 24,000 seismic vibrations were registered on the peninsula since the end of October.

How does the country's government prepare for an emergency? Details in our material.

Why do experts predict the eruption of the volcano Fagradalsfjatl?

Icelandic authorities have declared a state of emergency following a series of aftershocks that experts say are signs of an imminent volcanic eruption.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) says the risk is significant. The eruption could begin at any time during the next few days.

Currently, a fairly active magma river 15 km long can be observed under the peninsula. If on Friday it was located at a depth of 1,500 m, then on Saturday it rose to the mark of 800 m.

According to volcanologists, the most likely side of the eruption is within the city of Greenadvik.

It is worth noting that Iceland is one of the most geologically active regions in the world, home to about 30 active volcanoes. Fagradalsfjatl was dormant for 800 years before erupting in 2021. Since then, three eruptions have been observed on the peninsula: in March 2021, August 2022 and July 2023. All of them were far from populated areas.

Evacuation in Iceland due to the threat of volcanic eruption

Iceland's government has ordered thousands of people living in the southwestern town of Grindavik to evacuate the city as a precaution.

The settlement is located approximately 3 kilometers southwest of the area where a series of earthquakes was registered.

Iceland's Civil Protection Agency said the decision to evacuate was taken after the IMO could not rule out that a magma tunnel currently forming could reach the settlement. However, this evacuation is not an emergency, the local residents had enough time to pack their things, because there is no immediate danger, the evacuation is primarily preventive.

In total, about 4,000 people live in the city of Grindavik.

Also, on Thursday, November 9, increased seismic activity caused the closure of the Blue Lagoon geothermal resort, one of Iceland's main tourist attractions.

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Photo: Euronews/AFP