March 17, 2024

Volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula

A new fissure eruption started on the Reykjanes Peninsula by Hagafell and Stóra-Skógfell at 8:23 PM on March 16th. This marks the fourth eruption in the area since December of 2023.

Key Takeaways:

Air traffic to and from Iceland is operating normally, and Iceland remains a safe destination.
The eruption's effects are localized to the eruption site with road closures and do not threaten people.
All services in Iceland are operating as usual.
The power of the eruption has decreased significantly and might be over soon.

Since October last year, The Icelandic Meteorological Office has been observing increased geophysical activity in the area. This activity has led to repeated volcanic eruptions in an area close to the town of Grindavík. The town has been evacuated with brief intermissions since November 10th to guarantee the safety of residents. The eruption does not pose an immediate threat to people, and no further evacuations are necessary at this time.

MONITORING AND PREPAREDNESS

A global team of geoscientists meticulously monitors the area, backed by Iceland's advanced volcanic preparedness and real-time surveillance systems. Our priority is safety, ensuring that life and tourism in Iceland proceed smoothly. For a detailed look into the recent volcanic activities and their safety implications, Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office offers insights through an informative video.