Iceland Braces for Possible Volcanic Eruption as Thousands of Earthquakes Strike Country

Iceland is bracing for a possible volcanic eruption as thousands of earthquakes have struck the country this week. The Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest part of the country has been shaken by thousands of tremors in the past days, and seismic activity has remained “constant” since Nov. 11, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

The town of Grindavik, located about 35 miles from the capital Reykjavik, has been evacuated and is now a scene reminiscent of a doomsday film with enormous cracks breaking concrete and the walls of homes, and steam rising from deep underground. Stefan Velemir, an Iceland police officer, said, “There is no one living here.”

Residents of the evacuated zone were allowed to re-enter their homes to collect basic necessities Thursday and Friday. However, they are now stuck in limbo as they await the fate of their homes. One resident, a 62-year-old pilot, said, “We don’t know what will happen. We don’t know if we will be able to go back or not.”

Researchers have found evidence that magma is rising to the ground surface, prompting fears that a volcanic explosion could occur any time on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Icelandic Meteorological Office is closely monitoring the situation and has urged people to remain vigilant.

The beloved Blue Lagoon, located in the evacuated town of Grindavik, has been closed to visitors until further notice. The Icelandic government is working to provide assistance to those affected by the evacuation.