The Iceland Meteorological Office has issued an eruption alert for the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, indicating the possibility of an eruption within the next few days and noting seismic activity in the region. Iceland's President, Gudni Johannesson, announced the evacuation of the town of Grindavik and declared a state of emergency in the area. The Iceland Meteorological Office provided details in a statement:
'The data obtained indicates the significant size of the magma tunnel, signaling the proximity of magma to the surface. The corridor extends from Kalfellsheidi in the north to the west of Grindavik and towards the southwest into the sea. The magma tunnel is approximately 15 kilometers long, with magma reaching a depth of about 800 meters at its shallowest point. It is crucial to note that the data is based on approximately 12 hours of satellite information; hence, it should be assumed that the magma is moving closer to the surface than 800 meters. There is also a high probability of the magma emerging at the ocean floor.'
President Johannesson emphasized the declaration of a state of emergency on the Reykjanes Peninsula and the evacuation of residents in Grindavik, acknowledging the potential risks posed by the volcanic activity.