Earthquakes recorded near Sundhnúkur crater row on Reykjanes Peninsula as alert level raised in Iceland

Approximately 20 minor earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours in the volcanic system near the Sundhnúkur crater row on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Johann Malen Skúladóttir, a natural hazard expert at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, notes that there is a continued gradual increase in activity, similar to what has been observed in recent weeks. According to Skúladóttir, ground uplift is also ongoing.

In response to the accumulation of magma beneath Svartsengi, the National Police and the local police in Suðurnes region raised the alert level from uncertainty to warning level yesterday. This situation could potentially lead to a volcanic eruption or lava flow within a few weeks.

A warning level is declared when the health and safety of people, the environment, or infrastructure is threatened by natural forces. The highest alert level, known as a state of emergency, has been issued several times since November when lava flows or eruptions commenced.