Iceland raises Bárðarbunga volcano alert to yellow after earthquake swarm

The aviation color code for Iceland's Bárðarbunga volcano has been elevated to yellow by the Meteorological Office. This decision came shortly after midnight, following a substantial swarm of earthquakes detected in the northern part of the volcano's caldera. The seismic activity appears to be intensifying.

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the area at 8:14 p.m., with automatic, unverified measurements indicating at least seven additional tremors of magnitude 3.4 or larger. According to the Meteorological Office's definitions, a yellow code signifies that a volcano is showing signs of activity beyond its normal state.

Bárðarbunga last erupted in the summer of 2014. Scientists have observed clear indications in recent years that the volcano is preparing for another eruption. However, the volcano, considered Iceland's most powerful, has experienced significant tremors in the past without resulting in an eruption.