Grindavík brought down from emergency level to critical level
A long line of cars formed early this morning, but the residents were clearly going to use the day well, but they have the time window between 11-16 to check on their belongings in their homes. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson
A large number of Grindavík residents made their way to the town this morning, but Grindavík was brought down from the emergency level to the critical level at 11 am today. From that time until 16 am, residents will be able to retrieve valuables and consider their possessions, but this is also scheduled to be possible at the same time in the coming days.
The police took down the names of everyone entering Grindavík. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson
A large series of cars were created on Suðurstrandarvegur road at eleven o’clock, but police took down the names of those who were heading to town.
The temperature in Grindavík is cool, minus 1 Celcius, but calm and good weat her.
This picture was taken before 10 this morning and shows the long line of cars waiting for admission into town starting at 11 am. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson
The change of alert level from emergency to critical
The decision of changing the alert level was taken following new information from the Icelandic Met Office by the Governor of the State Police in consultation with the Chief of Police of Suðurnes. The likelihood of a sudden eruption within the town limits of Grindavík has been decreasing every day and is now considered low.
Predictions of a different scenario would be detected
It is noted that land still rises in the Svartsengi power plant and that magma there could flow back into the magma channel below Grindavík. Predictions of such a scenario could be detected on seismic and GPS measurements.
The volcanic eruption is still considered likely in the area above the magma channel, most likely between Hagafell and Sýlingafell.
The residents get more allowances to enter their town since the alert level has been brought down to critical, but the latest assessment by the Icelandic Met Office is that the likelihood of an eruption within the town perimeters has gone down, although the likelihood of an eruption in the vicinity of the town is still likely. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson
Still a volatile situation
“The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management reaffirms that the area is still well-monitored, and this is still a volatile situation. The residents will not be escorted into the area, but rescue teams will be on standby around the town. In view of this, a decision has been made to extend the allowance of Grindavík residents to get into town and consider their assets.”
New regulations from authorities
It is also noted that others are not allowed to enter the town.
“These are extended powers to the people of Grindavík, not the general public.”
The following rules are hereby amended:
- Residents will be able to enter Grindavík in the coming days to collect valuables and consider their possessions. While nothing changes to the worse, Grindavík City Hall will be open to residents from 9 am until 4 pm. The town will then be evacuated. Thursday, November 23rd, the town will open no earlier than 11:00 pm when the new danger level takes effect.
- It is further requested that residents of Grindavík register on island.is and be authorized to enter. It will be received without delay.
- Grindavík is closed to uninvolved traffic.
- Members of the media are authorized to access the town.
