There is an Earthquake, Iceland Announces Emergency Status Beware of Volcanic Eruption

Earthquake Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Icelandic government on Thursday, February 8 declared an emergency status following a low-intensity earthquake, lava eruptions and thick smoke from a volcano near Mount Sylingarfell, on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country.

This emergency status is the third time it has been issued in the last two months.

Quoting Antara, the northeastern region of Sylingarfell was rocked by a low-intensity earthquake 30 minutes before the volcano began emitting thick smoke and lava at 5:30 a.m. local time (0530GMT), according to a statement from the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) as reported by Anadolu.

Icelandic authorities then declared a state of emergency to ensure the safety of residents in nearby towns, Icelandic public broadcaster RUV reported.

Lava began to spew and flow towards a nearby popular tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, which was closed in the morning.

Keflavik Airport, which is 30 km from the location of the volcanic eruption, was also closed.

Schools and sports facilities in the cities of Suournesjaer and Vogur were also closed due to the state of emergency.

The Njarovikuraee hot water pipeline, which connects Njarevikur and the HS Orka geothermal power plant (PLTP) in Svartsengi, was flooded with lava, causing supply problems, he said.

It was also stated that the nearest road to PLTP was closed.

“The hot water pipe line was damaged, causing a hot water crisis in the area. "It is now important for residents and businesses in Sudurnes to save on electricity and hot water," according to a notice from local authorities.

Lava and thick smoke following the volcanic eruption in Reykjanes also disrupted electricity supplies in many areas of Iceland.