The head of Iceland’s Civil Protection Department, Runólfur Þórhallsson is urging all remaining residents of Grindavík to evacuate the town immediately. 

Two fissures have now opened on the Grindavík side of the protective barriers, posing significant danger to the town. Runólfur’s plea has support from the police chief in Suðurnes, and Civil Protection officials.

As reported by RÚV, the proximity of these fissures has prompted authorities to activate the Civil Protection Emergency Level, with lava cooling equipment in Þorlákshöfn town now being moved closer to the site.

Some residents remain in town

The eruption began at 9:45 this morning, and officials are monitoring the situation closely. The latest news indicates that a new crack formed at the ORF greenhouse and roughly half a kilometre from the town’s northernmost home.

Eight individuals have so far refused to leave the town, though no reason has been specified as to why. Despite evacuation sirens having been sounded, Suðurnes police chief Úlfar Lúðvíksson has stated to the media that authorities will not forcibly remove residents.

People in Grindavík and at the Blue Lagoon spa are receiving emergency evacuation text messages in Icelandic, English, and Polish, instructing them to leave immediately. They are also urged to contact 112 in case of emergencies.

Those in Iceland’s Capital Region are warned that wind might push pollution from the eruption site into Reykjavik, and later possibly into the south of the country.

A televised news update is due to begin at 11:30 am. We will provide you more news as it comes.