The activity from the volcanic eruption in Iceland has decreased in the last 24 hours. Now authorities have downgraded the assessed risk for the nearby evacuated town of Grindavik. Today, Thursday, the roads reopen for residents who can now return to their homes during the day.
– A new risk assessment is carried out. It has tapered off faster than expected. However, the risk is high and it can quickly come back, says SVT’s reporter Calle Elfström, who together with photographer Andreas Hult is in Keflavik, Iceland, to Morgonstudion.
“Has come and gone for several years”
The authorities assumed the worst when the evacuation of Grindavik began six weeks ago. Once the outbreak took place, residents were completely banned from staying in the city.
But magma has been moving eastward while the eruption’s size has steadily decreased, and neither buildings nor people are reported to have been damaged.
– Some think it will die out within a few days, others think it can continue. But it is difficult to determine. Previous outbreaks have come and gone for years. Many are distressed, says Calle Elfström.