11 Nov 2023 | 03:45 PM UTC
Iceland: State of emergency declared and town of Grindavik evacuated as of Nov. 11 amid increased volcanic activity
State of emergency declared, town of Grindavik, Iceland, evacuated Nov. 11 amid increased volcanic activity; aviation alert level raised.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency and ordered the evacuation of the town of Grindavik as of Nov. 11 due to increased at the Fagradalsfjall volcano. Roads to and from the town, 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, have been closed and thousands of inhabitants evacuated. The aviation alert level has been increased to orange (the second-highest level on a 5-level scale) due to the possibility of ash disrupting or endangering air travel. The volcano is located 19 km (12 miles) southeast of Keflavik International Airport (KEF).
The fears come following a series of 800 earthquakes in the area over the past two weeks. A large pool of magma is believed to have formed underneath the Reykjanes Peninsula, with eruptions possible anywhere in the area.
Officials may expand the evacuation order and road closures at short notice. Further volcanic activity is likely in the coming days.
Confirm flights if a large eruption occurs. Plan for possible transportation disruptions if operating in the region over the coming days. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas of the affected region due to potential landslides.
