Residents in Innaarsuit are on standby for evacuation because a giant iceberg is looming over the island community in northwestern Greenland.

The iceberg is so big it’s grounded on the sea floor.

On Tuesday a small section of it collapsed and caused large waves. Residents are afraid a tsunami will occur if the iceberg calves. Rivers near the community could also experience a water surge.

“There are 180 inhabitants and we are very concerned and are afraid,” said Karl Petersen, chair for the local council in Innaarsuit.

Ready to evacuate

Residents in houses near the shore are prepared for an evacuation.

Petersen said Greenland’s emergency responders are closely monitoring the iceberg. A Danish Royal Navy ship is also standing by.

Another concern is that the community’s power plant is near the ocean, and large waves could destroy it. Rain in the forecast could also precipitate calving.

Petersen said everyone is hoping a strong wind will dislodge the iceberg and move it farther away from the community.

Related stories from around the North:

Canada: Canada ill-prepared for Arctic shipping boom, G7 sustainability summit hears, Eye on the Arctic

Finland: Finnish activists to carve giant Trump sculpture on melting glacier, YLE News

Greenland: Glacier half the size of Manhattan breaks off Greenland, CBC News

Norway: Northern Barents Sea warming at alarming speed, The Independent Barents Observer

Russia: Densely-packed ice makes navigation difficult in Russian Arctic, The Independent Barents Observer

Sweden: While Trump shuns climate research, Sweden looks to lure American scientists, Radio Sweden

United States: Rapid Arctic warming is increasing the frequency of blizzards in U.S. Northeast: study, Radio Canada International