Residents Allowed to Return to Grindavik Amid Volcanic Eruption

Residents Can Return to Grindavik During the Day

A volcanic eruption forced residents of the Icelandic town of Grindavik out of their homes. The intensity of the eruption has since decreased, allowing residents to return during certain hours of the day.

Just a few days after the volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, residents of the small town of Grindavik are now permitted to return to their homes during the day. Initially, the police prohibited access to the evacuated town of 4,000 inhabitants, but the return has now been allowed between 7 am and 4 pm due to a revised risk assessment.

However, it is still considered unsafe to stay overnight, as stated by the regional police on Facebook. Children should also not be brought along. In the early hours of the morning, the first cars returned to the town, according to Icelandic broadcaster RÚV.

Volcanic activity weakens

A strong volcanic eruption occurred near Grindavik on Monday evening, marking the fourth eruption within three years. Initially, red-hot lava flowed from a kilometer-long fissure, but the intensity of the eruption has decreased since then.

The duration of the eruption is still uncertain. On Thursday, no volcanic activity was visible, although it is too early to declare the eruption over, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

In an update on Wednesday evening, the weather agency stated that the probability of a new eruption without warning in the vicinity of Grindavik had decreased. Consequently, the agency issued a new hazard assessment map, valid until December 28th.

Apartments Purchased to Accommodate Evacuees

However, the level of danger in the area around Grindavik remains significant, according to the statement. Despite the reduced activity, the intensity of the eruption is still considerable. It has also been observed that magma can quickly reach the surface, leaving little time for warnings.

Meanwhile, in the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, efforts were made to find long-term accommodation for the residents of Grindavik. Dozens of apartments were purchased for this purpose, as reported by RÚV. Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir stated at a press conference that there is significant uncertainty about life in Grindavik.