Volcanic activity - Information update
Information about the volcanic activity in Iceland
Dear colleagues.
Due to the amount of questions we have received in regards to the volcanic eruptions in Iceland, we send you this update on the situation. We hope it will clarify most issues and queries you might have.
Where is the volcanic activity?
The volcano is located under Eyjafjallajokull glacier in South Iceland, about 200 km from Reykjavik. The new eruption is closely related to the eruptions at Fimmvorduhals in March. However, the new eruptions are taking place underneath a glacier, causing large scale floods as the lava melts the glacial ice. Flood water is pouring off the glacier both to the north and south, but both flows enter the sea to the south (as shown in the picture below).
The Icelandic civil protection authorities have the situation fully under control. Nobody is in danger and no persons have been harmed. The affected areas have been evacuated (mostly farmers in the area, ca. 500 people) and damage has been limited to roads, bridges and other infrastructure. The damage is actually man made, as the main road was destroyed at three places in order to open paths for the water to reach the sea (as the picture below shows). Further damage to agricultural land is also evident.
Situation in Iceland
Contradictory to some reports, the volcanic eruptions in Eyjafjallajokull glacier have had a limited effect on Iceland. The ash is spreading east from the volcano and has affected Europe more significantly than Iceland. In fact, Keflavik International Airport is currently open and flights to and from North America are on schedule. Ash contamination is subject to the southeast coast, the Atlantic Ocean and Europe. In Reykjavik, ash contamination is currently nonexistent, as shown in the live webcam accessible from here.
The affects of the eruption are therefore very regional and bound to a limited part of the south coast of Iceland. This image shows the ash contamination in Iceland:
Visitors coming to Iceland are encouraged to monitor the news. Travellers are not in any danger, but are urged to take all necessary general precautions while travelling in Iceland and, if needed, seek the advice of local authorities.
How will the Ash spread?
In short - it’s impossible to tell. The London Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre publishes every 6 hours a defined area of projected ash contamination across Europe. Predictions suggest that the ash will continue to spread throughout Europe over the weekend. However, this is subject to change according to wind directions.
To see the projected ash contamination for the next few days, click here.
The picture below which shows the ash contamination on April 15th, depicts how the ash spreads from Iceland and onto Europe. You can see how the ash does not affect Iceland.
What assistance is available?
Iceland Travel is monitoring all passengers currently travelling with our company. For those visitors who need to re-route accommodation / itinerary, we will do our utmost to assist in any way possible and minimize potential damage. Each case differs and is reviewed and evaluated on an individual basis, depending on where travellers are coming from, what kind of land arrangements have been made, etc.
What happens next?
There is no way of knowing how long the eruptions will continue. As long as there is glacial ice to melt, ash will continue to spread. However, scientists see indications that the worst has passed and the ash will decline steadily over the course of the next few days.
It’s important that you follow regular updates on the situation. Here are links to sites you may find relevant.
General news:
Regular local updates are available at the following sites:
http://www.mbl.is/mm/frettir/english/
http://www.icenews.is
http://www.visiticeland.com/DiscoverIceland/WhatsOn/View/neweruptioninsouthiceland
Air traffic
Passengers flying to or from Iceland are advised to follow updated travel information on the following web pages:
Keflavik International Airport
Information from Iceland Express
