Reykjavík, Iceland – A series of three moderate earthquakes struck southwest Iceland Friday afternoon, shaking homes and alarming residents in the densely populated Reykjanes Peninsula. The strongest, a magnitude 4.9 quake, hit at 2:21 p.m. UTC roughly 31 kilometers southwest of Sandgerði.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the seismic sequence began at 1:36 p.m. with a M4.4 earthquake near Keflavík, followed by a M4.3 event just south of Reykjanesbær at 2:42 p.m. All three quakes originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, heightening the potential for surface shaking.
The epicenters lie along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a known tectonic boundary, and come amid elevated seismic activity in the Reykjanes Volcanic Zone. Residents in Keflavík, Grindavík, and even Reykjavík felt mild to moderate tremors. No immediate reports of damage have surfaced, but civil defense authorities are closely monitoring for aftershocks or signs of volcanic unrest.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office urges residents to remain alert, secure loose items in homes, and review emergency plans. Transportation hubs including Keflavík International Airport have not reported disruptions, though inspections are ongoing.
More updates are expected as the situation develops. Seismic activity may continue through the weekend.
