Iceland Residents 'Wait In Suspense' As Magma From Tremor Activities Rises To The Surface

More updates have emerged concerning the ongoing natural disaster affecting Iceland. The country has been experiencing hundreds of tremors in the past few days, which has led to magma rising towards the earth's surface.

An eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano might be imminent. Authorities have since evacuated residents from Grindavik, one of the towns along the path of the volcano. Most residents still have yet to find permanent shelter, but reports have stated that it would be sorted out in the coming weeks.

Residents in some parts of Iceland are currently "waiting in suspense" regarding the natural disaster presently befalling the nation.

One of the affected areas, Grindavik, continues to experience severe tremors, which has caused magma to rise rapidly towards the earth's surface.

Now, Iceland's meteorological office has reported that magma has reached very high up in the earth's crust and is still progressing even further.

"While there is still magma flow into the corridor, and while our data and models show that, that probability is imminent, and we really just have to wait in suspense for the next few days to see what happens," said Kristín Jónsdóttir, a rep for the institution said, per The Independent.

The scientist also noted that an eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano might be imminent, as there is a high probability that the ongoing tremors might disrupt it. 

Already, magmatic gas has been spotted fizzling out from the ground, further heightening the possibility. This situation has placed Grindavik at risk of receiving the potential onslaught from the volcano.

In the meantime, the tremors have caused extensive damage to homes and businesses and left numerous residents homeless or in a state of uncertainty. Over 4,000 residents have been evacuated from Grindavik as a measure to prevent the loss of life if a volcanic eruption does happen.

It is also believed that such a volcano eruption could affect the Svartsengi geothermal power plant located near the area. Efforts are now underway to swiftly construct a massive protective wall to prevent lava flows from Grindavik and the plant.

However, a potential return to the area for residential purposes isn't expected until several months. In addition, several displaced residents have yet to find a new permanent shelter, which might take days and weeks to resolve.

Earlier, former residents have shared their fears concerning the ongoing situation in the country. One person identified as Katrín Sigurdardóttir said, per the Daily Mail, "The waiting is the worst because we don't know anything."

She continued: "It would be better if we knew the house was under lava because then we could just start from scratch. This uncertainty is so terribly difficult."

Another individual, Caitlin McLean, who was also evacuated with the others, expressed sadness at being asked to abandon their homes since it might be the last time they see it, per The Independent.

"It's a pretty grim situation at the moment," she said, adding that it has been "difficult" for people to understand.

She also said, "I think everyone's still a wee bit shocked and it's not really sinking in there is a possibility they're not going to be able to go home."

This is not the first time that Iceland has had to deal with a natural disaster. Per reports, three eruptions have occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula in the last three years. The first occurred in March 2021, another in August 2022, and one more in July 2023.

However, previous instances did not leave any damage to life and properties, having occurred in remote valleys.

As for the impending one, it is speculated that it could lead to lava flow into Grindavik, worsening the level of destruction the fishing community has already faced.

Iceland's current ordeal isn't surprising, as it is highly susceptible to natural disasters because it lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This is a divergent plate boundary where the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate are shifting away from each other, thereby spurring earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.