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A volcanologist explains: Here's what's happening in Iceland

13:30
17 November 2023

A volcanologist explains
Here's what's happening in Iceland

We interviewed expert volcanologist Thorvaldur Thordarson to find out exactly why the Icelandic volcano is threatening an imminent eruption.

There is still a threat of a volcanic eruption in Iceland. After cracks and fissures appeared, an entire town was evacuated. Our weather reporter Marco Kaschuba is on the ground reporting on the situation on site.

On Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of the capital Reykjavik, a new volcanic eruption is likely imminent. According to Volcanologists, it is only a matter of days before the eruption begins.

Large cracks appearing on the roads.Drone shots of the geothermal power station, where they are building dikes to protect it from the lava.Large cracks appearing on the roads.Queues for hours as residents try to quickly collect their belongings from Grindavík.
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Large cracks appearing on the roads. - © Weather & Radar

Volcanologist and Professor at the University of Iceland, Thorvaldur Thordarson, explains the situation on site in the video above.

Mandatory evacuations have taken place in recent days in Grindavík, where a magma channel lies directly beneath the populated fishing village. Residents were granted just five minutes each to return to gather personal belongings.

Police officers and locals also comment on the situation in the video above as they briefly return to Grindavík. Only one person from each home is allowed to return to collect essential items such as medicines and passports.

Also in preparation, makeshift defences have been put up around the Svartsengi geothermal power plant.

Despite seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula since slowing down and weakening, an eruption is still looking highly likely. The eruption could occur near the town of Grindavík, or out at sea.

State of emergency in Icelandread more
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