Response to and after an earthquake – in light of the circumstances
We would like to draw attention to the seismic activity at Kleifarvatn, but as the Met Office points out, the earthquakes there are so-called swarm earthquakes.
There has been quite a lot of seismic activity, as the town's residents have no doubt noticed. So-called swarm earthquakes, located just west of Kleifarvatn, have now made their presence felt. The magma intrusion at Fagradalsfjall is causing stress changes both west of Kleifarvatn and near Grindavík, which are triggering the earthquakes. Therefore, it is probably not magma on the move at Kleifarvatn or Grindavík, according to the head of civil defence for the Capital Region.
The Met Office has issued the following statement:
„We draw attention to the seismic activity near Kleifarvatn, but as the Met Office points out, the earthquakes there are so-called swarm earthquakes. The magma intrusion at Fagradalsfjall is causing stress changes both west of Kleifarvatn and near Grindavík, which are triggering the earthquakes. It is therefore unlikely that magma is present at Kleifarvatn or Grindavík.
We remind people to consider loose and indoor items that can fall during an earthquake, and to pay particular attention to the possibility of items falling on people while they are sleeping.“
The latest information on the situation can always be found on the Met Office website.
Earthquake activity can be monitored in the town's webcam
If you are indoors when an earthquake starts – do not run.
- Stay still, many accidents happen when you rush off.
- Go under the table or bed and hold on to the table or foot of the bed.
- Crouch down in a corner by a load-bearing wall or in a doorway against a load-bearing wall.
- Protect your head and face with a pillow - if you wake up during an earthquake
- Stay away from windows – they can break
- Let us know you're safe by text when the earthquake is over.
If you are outdoors when you feel an earthquake – do not run inside
- Stay outside
- Do not be near tall buildings that could collapse or tall trees.
- Rockfalls, avalanches and snowslides can fall from slopes and mountainous terrain.
- Power lines can be dangerous – avoid touching them
- Try to get to an open area where buildings are not close by.
If you are driving a car when you feel an earthquake:
- Park the car and stop. Roads and bridges can be damaged in an earthquake.
- Fasten your seatbelts
- Stay still in your car as it can protect you from falling debris during an earthquake – listen to the radio, as that is usually where the first information about the earthquake comes from.
The aim of civil protection is to tackle risks posed by natural disasters, man-made incidents, epidemics, military action or other causes, which may threaten the lives and health of the public, the environment and/or property. Detailed information can be found on the website of the National Police Commissioner – Civil Contingencies Department.