A volcanic eruption in Iceland is impending after a massive spike in seismic activity. There has been a state of emergency declared for the country. More than 3,000 residents of the coastal town of Grindavik were escorted by police and given only minutes to collect their essential belongings and urged to evacuate the area due to measurements of sulfur dioxide detected in the air that are reaching dangerous levels. Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) explained. The gas can irritate peoples’ eyes, noses and throats. The USGS said the gas is released when “magma is relatively near the surface,” and if it’s detected when a volcano isn’t erupting, it could indicate that it will be “soon.”
Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said there is a significant likelihood of a volcanic eruption at any moment. There have over 1,000 earthquakes in the last 24 hours, and Iceland usually sees only 60. They are thinking the eruption could take place any where over a 10-mile stretch of land.
Scientists said they have a 2-3 hour window when they can warn all of Iceland that the eruption is going to happen.
If erupted, this could threaten to completely wipe the town of Grindavik depending on the size and amount of lava coming out and how long it will last.
By - FZ
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