Magnitude Mw5,4 earthquake in Bárðarbunga volcano

Today (29-October 2025) at 16:46 UTC an strong earthquake took place in Bárðarbunga volcano. This earthquake had a magnitude of Mw5,4. It was not felt according to news. This earthquake is the result of inflation that is happening in Bárðarbunga volcano and has been since its eruption ended in the year 2015.

Green star in Bárðarbunga volcano, located in northern part of Vatnajökull glacier. A lot of red dots showing smaller earthquake activity.
Green star showing the earthquake activity in Bárðarbunga volcano. Copyright of this image belongs to Icelandic Met Office.

There was some aftershock activity, but it has been minimal. Currently there are no signs of an eruption is about to start in Bárðarbunga volcano.

Strong earthquake swarm in Katla volcano

This morning on 20-October 2025 an strong earthquake swarm started in Katla volcano. Strongest earthquake so far had a magnitude of Mw4,5. It was most likely felt in nearby populated areas. Several earthquakes with magnitude above Mw3,0 also took place. This earthquake swarm is ongoing, but it happens in waves and at the writing of this article there is a quiet period happening.

Red dots showing smaller earthquakes in Katla volcano. Green stars showing stronger activity in Katla volcano caldera.
Earthquake activity in Katla volcano. Copyright of this image belongs to Icelandic Met Office.

At the moment there has not been any signs of magma movement. That might change without warning. There also not been any change in glacier water from Mýrdalsjökull glacier. That only show up after 4 to 8 hours, since it takes time for the glacier water to travel to the glacier rivers from Mýrdalsjökull glacier. If anything more important happens. I’ll post a new update on what is going on.