Despite increased seismic activity on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula, flights are unaffected, and travel remains normal. The town of Grindavík, near Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated as a precaution. While the UK Foreign Office acknowledges the rising potential for a volcanic eruption, travel advice stops short of advising against trips. Package holidays proceed as usual, with the exception of Blue Lagoon closures. Travelers can't claim insurance unless they have rare "cancel for any reason" policies. Despite the geological unrest, travel enthusiasts find late November opportune for a value-packed visit to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland.

The risk of a volcanic eruption is not diminishing," warns Margaret Hartley, a senior lecturer in Earth sciences at the University of Manchester. Magma, 2,600 to 1,640 feet below, could breach the surface, posing threats to the Blue Lagoon resort and Svartsengi geothermal power plant in days. Despite a stable magma dike, seismic concerns persist, and experts like Alberto Caracciolo anticipate eruption uncertainties. Evacuations are underway, and protective measures aim to divert potential lava flows. Iceland faces an uncertain situation, with the possibility of a volcanic event impacting its landscape and infrastructure. As Hartley describes, "The process is a bit like shaking up a can of fizzy drink — as soon as a crack opens in the top of the can, the drink escapes with lots of frothing.

Iceland is on high alert as experts warn a volcano eruption is likely in the coming days. Over 2,000 mini earthquakes have rocked the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland in last 24 hours. Magmatic gases detected underground signal magma is rising, prompting evacuation of the town of Grindavik which could be obliterated if an eruption occurs nearby. While the eruption may not be as explosive as Iceland's 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, officials caution air travel could still be impacted by ash clouds. Residents have described apocalyptic scenes fleeing the quakes. Scientists say when pressure causes magma to burst forth, it will be like a "can of fizzy drink exploding." Iceland vigilantly monitors volcano threats to protect its people.

Cyclone Midhili intensifies, bringing heavy rainfall to India's northeastern states as it approaches the Bangladesh coast. Alerts issued in Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam as the cyclonic storm disrupts Meghalaya's Cherry Blossom Festival. The India Meteorological Department warns of a north-northeastward trajectory with landfall near Khepupara, Bangladesh, anticipating winds of 60-70 kmph, gusting up to 80 kmph. A storm surge of up to 2 meters height is expected. Fishermen cautioned against venturing into the sea, and residents in low-lying areas urged to evacuate. The storm is forecasted to cross the Bangladesh coast on Friday night or early Saturday. [ photo courtesy: Zoom_earth/X ] 

Following three days of 'severe' pollution, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) improved, entering the 'very poor' category at 398 according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data indicated varied pollution levels, with RK Puram at 396, New Moti Bagh at 350, IGI Airport at 465, and Nehru Nagar at 416, all falling under 'very poor.' The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed stringent measures, citing inadequate progress, with a reassessment report due by November 20. Stubble burning contributed 3.45%, and IIT Kanpur's real-time study identified vehicles as the primary 44% contributor to PM2.5 levels, peaking at 90% at 9 am and reducing to 47% by 3 pm.

More than 1,200 earthquakes rattled Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on Thursday, suggesting a volcanic eruption may be imminent. The quakes come as magma rises within 2,500 feet of the surface near the evacuated town of Grindavik. With the risk of eruption high in coming days, officials warn of significant volcanic activity. The earthquakes have caused up to 5 feet of sinking on the peninsula and cracking in Grindavik. When the eruption occurs, lava is expected to ooze from fissures rather than explode ash skyward. Still, the airport and capital Reykjavik are on alert amid the swarm of quakes signaling the restless volcano below.

Delhiites face another day of hazardous air as the air quality index (AQI) remains in the 'severe' category. The CPCB reports AQI figures over 400 in Anand Vihar, RK Puram, IGI Airport, and Dwarka. Masks become a common sight as residents combat toxic smog. Surrounding areas like Noida and Gurugram also witness 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality. Despite government measures, Delhi ranks as the most polluted city globally. Vehicular emissions contribute significantly, with PM2.5 levels exceeding safe limits. Calm winds and low temperatures exacerbate the situation, with relief unlikely until November 21.

The Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland confronts prolonged instability as recent aerial surveys reveal imminent volcanic activity. Magma, now 800m beneath the surface, follows a centuries-old fissure. While evacuations are underway, experts warn of potential damage to infrastructure and toxic fume release. Dr. Roberts, a managing director in the Icelandic Met Office's Reykjavik headquarters, assures a non-explosive eruption, anticipating a low-intensity lava flow over weeks. Protective measures, including levees near the Svartsengi power station and a closed Blue Lagoon spa, are in place. As the community awaits clearance to return, Iceland's resilient fight against lava underscores the unpredictable force of nature.  

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that a decision regarding measures to combat pollution, such as odd-even restrictions and artificial rain, will be made after monitoring the situation for the next 2-3 days. With Delhi's air quality in the 'very poor' category, Rai mentioned that wind speed improvement after the specified period could lead to better conditions. If the Air Quality Index reaches the 'severe plus' category, stricter measures like odd-even restrictions will be considered. The odd-even rule, initially set for November 13, is on hold pending further evaluation of its effectiveness.

As earthquakes increase on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula, authorities are constructing protective walls around the Svartsengi geothermal power plant to shield it from potential lava flows. Nearly 800 quakes have struck the peninsula near the capital Reykjavik, raising alarms over an imminent volcanic eruption. Huge amounts of equipment and materials are being used to build dykes that will divert lava around the critical plant, which provides power nationwide. Thousands have evacuated the nearby town of Grindavik amid rising sulfur dioxide levels. Despite decreased seismic activity, scientists warn an eruption still looms large. Iceland is taking precautions to safeguard the key energy facility.