In a recent interview with Fox News, Vídir Reynisson, the head of Iceland's Civil Protection and Emergency Management agency, expressed concerns over the potential eruption of a volcano in the southwestern part of the country. Reynisson revealed that authorities could have as little as "30 minutes notice" before the eruption occurs, highlighting the challenge of accurately predicting such events.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office has been closely monitoring the situation, reporting hundreds of small earthquakes in the region surrounding the town of Grindavik. These seismic activities have prompted the evacuation of the area, with residents potentially facing months away from their homes.

Reynisson elaborated on the difficulties of forecasting volcanic eruptions, stating that there may not be strong evidence of magma rising to the surface. Instead, scientists rely on monitoring small earthquakes and their patterns in order to predict the eruption. In some cases, they may receive just half an hour's notice before the volcano becomes active.

"All the big signs are already there, so we are looking for the small signs," Reynisson explained. Despite closely monitoring the situation, the eruption could potentially start with just minutes of warning, and the volcanic activity could last for days or even weeks.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported that over 700 earthquakes have been detected in the region of the magma intrusion since midnight. The most impactful seismic event, a 2.7-magnitude tremor, occurred in the mountainous area of Hagafell, just north of Grindavik.

In recent days, the region has experienced between 1,500 and 1,800 daily earthquakes, with the largest one reaching a magnitude of 3.0 on Friday.

Recognizing the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity, the Icelandic Meteorological Office emphasized their ongoing monitoring and hazard assessment preparations. They underscored the need to remain prepared for sudden changes in the situation, with potentially little warning.

Residents of Grindavik have been warned that it may be months before they can safely return to their homes. The town remains closed to traffic indefinitely as authorities prioritize the safety and well-being of the local population.

As Iceland continues to closely monitor the situation, the potential volcanic eruption serves as a reminder of the country's unique geological landscape and the ever-present risk of natural disasters. Authorities and scientists are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate the potential impact of such an eruption.