Cameras record the formation of a new volcano in Iceland
Icelandic authorities said on Friday they were still on guard for a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula, although the likelihood had become lower following a decline in seismic activity.
Iceland has been at high risk of an eruption since seismic activity and underground lava flows increased in the region near the capital Reykjavik in October.
The Metrological Office said in a statement that an eruption in or near the evacuated town of Grindavik was now considered less likely and that volcanic magma was more likely to erupt in the area between Hagafell and Sýlingarfell.
“Seismic activity continues to decline and the likelihood of an eruption decreases over time,” it said.
Five ministers from the Icelandic parliament visited Grindavik on Friday, where evacuated residents have been allowed to return since Thursday to collect personal belongings.
But it will be months before they can all return to Grindavik due to damage to infrastructure, public security director Vidir Reynisson said, according to Icelandic news magazine RÚV.
Due to the decline in activity since the beginning of the week, the earthquakerelated risk level in Grindavik was reduced from emergency level to danger level on Thursday, the Icelandic Civil Protection Agency said in a statement.