COPENHAGEN (Reuters) – Icelandic authorities are still monitoring the situation for a possible volcanic eruption in the southwest Reykjanes peninsula, although the likelihood of an eruption has decreased after a drop in seismic activity.
In late October, Iceland began facing a high risk of an eruption due to increased seismic activity and underground lava flows in the region near the capital Reykjavik.
The Metrological Office stated in a release that an eruption near the evacuated town of Grindavik is now less probable, and it is more likely that volcanic magma will rise in the area between Hagafell and Sýlingarfell.
“Seismic activity continues to decrease,” the statement said, while also noting that “the likelihood of eruption decreases over time”.
On Friday, five ministers from the Icelandic parliament visited Grindavik, where evacuated residents were allowed to return on Thursday to gather more personal belongings.
According to public safety director Vidir Reynisson, it will be several months before all residents are able to move back to Grindavik due to infrastructure damage.
As a result of reduced activity since the beginning of the week, the risk level related to earthquakes in Grindavik was downgraded from emergency to danger level on Thursday, according to Iceland’s civil defence authority.
(Reporting by Johannes Birkebaek; Editing by Alexander Smith)
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