Seismic activity reported near Grindavík amid ongoing eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula

Seismic Activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula: “Grindavík is Not Currently at Risk”

Benedikt Ófeigsson, the chief specialist for volcanic activity at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, provided insights during an evening broadcast regarding the ongoing volcanic eruption at the Sundhnjúk volcanic system. He noted that lava flow is currently progressing at a rapid pace.

In an interview, Benedikt stated that the current eruption resembles the last two eruptions. There remains some seismic activity at the northern end of the magma intrusion, and the fissure is reportedly lengthening toward the north. This development is promising for the town of Grindavík; however, the fast-moving lava is approaching Grindavíkurvegur and Svartsengi.

“The protective barriers have been significantly strengthened, and we hope that they will hold,” he said. Benedikt predicts that this eruption will evolve similarly to previous ones. He anticipates that the fissure will continue to extend for about two hours, with lava flow expected to peak within one to three hours, after which a decline should commence. This is considered the most likely scenario.

“At this moment, it is not likely that Grindavík is in danger, but we cannot make any definitive statements until the situation stabilizes,” he concluded.