- Eruption does not present a threat to life
- Risk to infrastructure is being monitored and a nearby town had already been evacuated
- No disruptions to international or local aviation
There are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland and international flight corridors remain open.
Monday, at 22:17, a volcanic eruption began northeast of the town of GrindavÃk on the Reykjanes peninsula. This is the fourth eruption since 2021 in the area, and the largest so far with an initial fissure opening of 4 km.
Please be advised that the area is currently closed to all traffic, while responders and scientists assess the situation. People are strongly warned not to approach the area for their own safety and in order not to disrupt traffic and the work of responders.
Iceland’s authorities are well prepared for seismic events which occur regularly as a feature of our country’s natural geography. Iceland’s Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management remains vigilant in response to increased seismic activity seen in and around the Reykjanes Peninsula.
This eruption follows intense seismic activity over the past few weeks, and is classified as a fissure eruption (often referred to as Icelandic-type). Fissure eruptions do not usually result in large explosions or significant production of ash dispersed into the stratosphere.
The nearby town of GrindavÃk was already evacuated on Friday 10 November as a precaution after several days of seismic activity. The eruption is not expected to impact additional populated areas. The risk to nearby energy infrastructure is currently being assessed.
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