Magma from a volcano in Iceland near the Earth’s surface, the danger zone expanded

In recent weeks, between 1,500 and 1,800 earthquakes per day have been measured in the area, but this frequency appears to have decreased over the past 24 hours. This may indicate that the magma was very close to the Earth’s surface. Molten gas was previously discovered in a well, which also indicates a nearby volcanic eruption.

Therefore, the International Maritime Organization has expanded the danger zone. The most vulnerable area is 15 kilometers long and 2 to 3 kilometers wide. The institute fears that it can only predict when an eruption will occur just 30 minutes in advance. “The big clues already exist, and we are now looking for the small ones,” said Feder Rennison, head of local civil protection.

According to Icelandic authorities, there is a high probability that the evacuated residents “will not be able to return home for several months.” Grindavik, located about 40 kilometers southwest of the capital, Reykjavik, was evacuated on November 11 after underground magma triggered hundreds of tremors, possibly indicating an imminent eruption. Since then thousands of small earthquakes have been recorded in the area. In Grindavik, severe damage was caused to roads and buildings, among other things.

Iceland has 33 active volcanic systems, the highest number in Europe. In 2010, the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano paralyzed air traffic in Europe.