In Iceland, they are waiting for a potentially large volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula after around 24,000 earthquakes have been recorded in the area since the end of October. Almost 3,000 of them have been registered in the last 48 hours, according to Iceland’s Meteorological Office. The Norwegian exchange student Paula Spjelkavik (25) in Reykjavík tells news that she got to feel several of them on her body. – It’s just crazy to experience being woken up by an earthquake. Spjelkavik was first awakened by an earthquake at 02:00 on the night of Saturday. – A little later there was another earthquake, which really shook the whole apartment, says the 25-year-old. Paula Spjelkavik talks about the tense atmosphere in Reykjavík. Photo: Private / Private Geologist Børge Johannes Wigum lives in Iceland. To news, he describes the situation as “very dramatic”. He points out that if the thermal power plant, which supplies district heating to 30,000 inhabitants, is knocked out, it cannot be repaired within a few weeks. – There is a risk that there could be major damage to important infrastructure, says Wigum. On Saturday evening, Iceland’s meteorological office writes that the probability of an eruption has increased. The locals are stressed Spjelkavik lives in the Icelandic capital, around 50 kilometers from Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula, where the inhabitants have been evacuated. – Today we have seen a lot of news about what is happening in Grindavik. It’s what everyone is talking about and watching. The 25-year-old says that many of the exchange students primarily find earthquakes and volcanic eruptions exciting. She perceives the Icelanders as more stressed, and says that many fear damage to the above-mentioned thermal power plant. In May 2021, a volcanic eruption near Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes peninsula was clearly visible from the capital Reykjavík. Photo: HALLDOR KOLBEINS / AFP – Many also fear that the Keflavik airport, which is located on the Reykjanes peninsula, will be damaged, says the student, and adds: – The Blue Lagoon is probably not as big a concern. But it would have been sick if it was destroyed. It is an iconic place. The Icelandic authorities have chosen to close the tourist magnet. The Icelandic Civil Defense has also raised the level of preparedness. According to Spjelkavik, life goes on mostly as normal in Reykjavík. But this is not the case everywhere. When the mayor of Grindavik was interviewed by Icelandic TV, there was a sudden earthquake. Crack may open within the city limits In Grindavik, the 2,500 inhabitants have been evacuated. During a press conference on Saturday, Director Vídir Reynisson of the Civil Defense said that one must prepare for the evacuation to last several days. Several buildings in the area are said to have suffered significant damage after the many earthquakes. A state of emergency has also been declared and roadblocks set up. The seismic activity is expressed in Grindavik. Photo: RUV A colleague of Spjelkavik comes from Grindavik. They talked about a possible evacuation already last week. – She had already moved in with a friend in Reykjavík. She didn’t want to risk living in Grindavik if something big happened. National broadcaster RÚV writes that seismic data indicate that a magma tunnel has extended under Grindavík. It is not excluded that a volcanic fissure could open within the city limits. The big question is when it will happen. Scientists have warned that an explosive volcanic eruption may occur shortly.
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Norwegian Paula was woken up by an earthquake in Reykjavík – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
