Seismic activity prompts warning after explosives found near eruption site in Iceland

Seismic Activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Explosive devices have been discovered near the volcanic eruption that began last week in the Sundhnúkur crater area. Despite warnings and marked boundaries, people continue to traverse the area to witness the eruption.

Lava from the eruption is flowing through Vogaheiði, a site that served as a U.S. military shooting range from 1952 to 1960.

The Icelandic Coast Guard, along with the U.S. Navy, has been searching for bombs in the lava fields after a passerby encountered a live explosive on their way to the eruption site. Gylfi Þór Þorsteinsson, an official from the Icelandic Red Cross, expressed concern about the safety of visitors. He noted that while there are warnings, individuals are still entering hazardous zones. “It would be dreadful if anyone, whether Icelandic or foreign visitors, were to step on explosives,” he said.

Jónas Karl Þorvaldsson, head of the Coast Guard’s specialized unit, reported last weekend that the area is significantly contaminated with explosives, posing a danger in the context of lava flows. He emphasized the difficulty of clearing the region due to its challenging terrain, stating that it has been cleared three times but dangerous items continue to surface. “It is extremely difficult to operate there, and no machinery can be brought in,” said Jónas.

The lava spreading over this old munitions site carries substantial risks, highlighting the urgent need for awareness among those drawn to the eruption.