Powerful earthquakes rock country’s southwestern Reykjanes peninsula, increasing likelihood of event

Icelandic authorities have declared a state of emergency after a series of powerful earthquakes rocked the country’s southwestern Reykjanes peninsula, signalling the increased likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the region.

“The National police chief … declares a state of emergency for civil defence due to the intense earthquake (activity) at Sundhnjukagigar, north of Grindavik,” the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management said in a statement.

“Earthquakes can become larger than those that have occurred and this series of events could lead to an eruption,” the administration warned.

The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) said an eruption could take place “in several days”.

  • Rapidcreek@reddthat.comEnglish
    11·
    1 year ago

    Good to know. Maybe I’ll go there some day. BTW, gin used to be made from juniper berries. Juniper berries are poisonous.

    • Wermhatswormhat@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I just went in July and saw the volcano. It was incredible. I’m hoping everyone on the island stays safe with this volcanic resurgence.