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March 23, 2021

Volcanic eruption in Reykjanes peninsula and online visits

An eruption is ongoing in Geldingadalir valley near mt. Fagradalsfjall, and the Civil Protection and Emergency Management have opened the area for the public to visit.

 

Reykjanes peninsula is a UNESCO Global Geopark and has a unique geological history still in the making. Be careful when visiting the area and help us maintain an exciting nature for future visitors. Be aware of the circumstances that can occur regarding the weather when hiking. 

 

Live stream from the eruption site. 

 

Instructions/guidelines for the public. 

What to watch out for:

  • Off-road driving is illegal.
    • This applies to all motor vehicles, such as ATVs, six-wheelers, motorcycles.
  • It is possible to park in Grindavík and at the Blue Lagoon and walk from there during the weekend of March 20-21.
    • The journey from the parking areas takes 4-6 hours and is only for people who are used to being outdoors in difficult conditions.
  • The weather can change quickly. It is cold and wet and the forecast is for rain during the weekend.
    • Wear hiking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing.
    • Assume that the journey may take longer than planned.
    • Bring a packed lunch and water to drink.
    • Keep an eye on your travel companions. Fatigue and hypothermia come quickly.
    • Stick to hills and ridges. Avoid valleys and dells in the landscape.
    • There is a risk of rockfall. Beware of steep slopes
  • It does not take much to get lost.
    • Carry a positioning device.
  • The telephone connection in the area is bad and it can therefore be difficult to call for help if needed.
  • Eruption sites can change and new eruption cracks may open on short notice.
  • Gas pollution is strongest close to the area and can lurk in valleys and dells where it is particularly dangerous.
  • Gas pollution can change on short notice if the eruption suddenly increases and it is dangerous to be near the eruption sites without measuring instruments.
    • People must always turn downwind. This means that people must have the wind in their back when walking towards the eruption site and go against the wind when walking back. Gas pollution is not visible and does not necessarily follow the visible gas cloud in the area.
    • Gas pollution can change at short notice in the case of the eruption suddenly increasing and it is dangerous to be near the eruption sites without measuring instruments.
    • Gas pollution can still linger even if a visible eruption cloud is different due to a different wind direction.
    • Masks used for disease prevention do not provide any protection against gas pollution.
    • If you experience the slightest symptoms of health problems, you should immediately get away with the wind against you.
    • Gas pollution can be odorless and it is, therefore, difficult to avoid.

 

 The volcanic activity can be viewed with a live stream here.

 

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