Volcanic Activity in Reykjanes
Key takeaways:
- Eruption does not present a threat to life
- Air traffic to and from Iceland operates normally, and the country remains a safe destination
- The eruption's effects are very localized and roads to Keflavík international airport unaffected
- Authorities have fully evacuated residents in Grindavik and all guests at the nearby Blue Lagoon Hotel and Spa as a precautionary measure
- All services in Iceland are operating as usual
- The eruption is significantly smaller than the last eruption in the area
A new fissure eruption started on Reykjanes Peninsula on November 20 2024, at 11:14 PM by Sundhnúksgígar crater, marking the seventh eruption in the area since December 2023.
The eruption's activity appears to have peaked. The fissure seems to have stopped expanding, and based on measurements from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, there are no indications that the activity will increase. This eruption is significantly smaller than the last eruption, which began on August 22.
Iceland’s authorities are well prepared for seismic and volcanic activity which occurs regularly as a feature of our country’s natural geography.
The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management and the local authorities have activated all necessary security measures and the area around Grindavík has been safely and successfully evacuated.
Monitoring and preparedness
Iceland is no stranger to seismic and volcanic activity, and authorities and the public are highly prepared for such events. The well-being of residents and visitors is the utmost priority, and Icelandic infrastructure is designed and built to withstand seismic events like these.
The country boasts some of the world's most sophisticated volcanic preparedness protocols to protect people and infrastructure, and Iceland's geoscientists are extensively experienced in managing volcanic activity.
For the past three years, the Reykjanes Peninsula has witnessed a surge in seismic activity, including ten volcanic eruptions. The increased number of eruptions in Iceland over recent years has attracted attention internationally, and the beauty of these have been shared around the world. However, any eruption must always be treated with the utmost respect by visitors and safety must come first.
Iceland has remained a safe and open destination for travelers during these events, and the country is thoroughly prepared for volcanic activity.
The Government of Iceland monitors any seismic and volcanic activity closely in collaboration with the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management and the Icelandic Meteorological Office, local authorities and partners across industry, travel and tourism.
For the latest updates on the situation, please visit:
Frequently asked questions:
If you are in Iceland when an eruption occurs, do not approach the site for your own safety and respect any closures put in place by the authorities.
The latest information on closures and affected areas can be found on the Safe Travel website.
For the latest travel advice and further updates, please see Visit Iceland’s website.
The status of international travel including flights to Iceland can be found on the website of Keflavik Airport or the airport in Iceland to which you are travelling.
You should also contact your hotel or travel agency for any further updates relevant to your itinerary.
Iceland is generally well prepared to deal with seismic and volcanic activity, which is a regular feature of life in our country.
Yes, volcanic eruptions release volcanic gases in the atmosphere in variable amounts, which is regularly monitored by the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO). The concentrations of gases at the ground is looked at by the IMO, at stations located nearby the eruption site, as well as by the Environmental Agency of Iceland, at stations located in inhabited areas.
In Iceland, concentrations of volcanic gases have occasionally exceeded health safety limits during an eruption in inhabited areas, predominantly those local to the volcanic activity. Concentrations detected at stations outside Iceland are at lower levels and have rarely and only for short periods reached level of concern for human health, where it becomes noticeable to those with lung conditions.
In other countries, authorities responsible for the air quality monitoring can report on polluting events, if any, when the volcanic clouds travel beyond hundreds of km from Iceland and extends potentially to other territories.
Those concerned about any local impact should refer to their national health and safety agency or meteorological office for updates and guidance.
Background info:
The most abundant volcanic gas is water vapour. CO2 and SO2 can also often be released in larger quantities. SO2 can be transported by the wind and, possibly, reaching long distances of the order of 1000s of km. The amount of SO2 reaching the ground depends greatly on the initial released amount, the height of injection in the atmosphere and the intensity of the wind among other factors.
News
- Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry of JusticeReykjanes Volcanic Eruption: Icelandic Government Advice15.01.2024
- Ministry of Culture and Business AffairsReykjanes Volcanic Eruption: Tourism Response Team Meeting and Media Centre Reopened 19.12.2023
- Ministry of Justice, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry for Foreign AffairsReykjanes Volcanic Eruption: Icelandic Government Advice19.12.2023
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| General inquiries, including Civil Protection |
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| Seismic activity and geography |
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| The Icelandic Red Cross |
| Press Officer for the Red Cross in Iceland Mr. Oddur Freyr Þorsteinsson [email protected] |