The red dot indicates the location of the town Grindavík.
November 23: The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, in consultation with the Police Commissioner of Suðurnes, has downgraded the Civil Protection Alert Phase from Emergency to Alert in the Reykjanes peninsula due to earthquakes close to Grindavík.
Earthquakes may become bigger than those that have already occurred, and this sequence of events could lead to an eruption. Its progress is being closely monitored.
Scientists at the Icelandic Meteorological Office have been observing increased seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula that started on October 24th. There are strong indicators of a looming eruption in an area close to the town of Grindavík.
The increasing likelihood of a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula has prompted the precautionary evacuation of the town of Grindavík to ensure the safety of the residents. The National Police Commissioner of Iceland raised the Civil Protection Service Level from Alert to Emergency on November 10th in response to increasing seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This is the highest level of Civil Protection Service Levels, indicating an event that has already begun and could lead, or already has led to, harm to people, communities, properties, or the environment. At this stage, immediate measures are taken to ensure security, save lives, and prevent casualties, damage, and or loss.
At this moment, it is not possible to conclude when an eruption might unfold or accurately pinpoint exactly where it might surface. The Icelandic Meteorological Office, The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and a team of scientists from the University of Iceland are closely monitoring the situation and analyzing the developments.
Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity, and there have been three eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the last three years. Icelandic authorities and the public are highly prepared for such events, and Iceland has one of the world’s most effective volcanic preparedness measures. Iceland’s geoscientists possess vast experience in dealing with volcanic activities.
Information Regarding Flights in Case of an Eruption
At this moment, it is not possible to conclude what effects a possible volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula might have on flight traffic to and from Iceland. It is not possible to say when an eruption might unfold or accurately pinpoint where it might surface. The location and the size of the eruption will determine what effects it will have on flight traffic. Please contact your airline for further info.
If your flight has been canceled or delayed, please contact Happy Campers, and our support team will do their best to accommodate you.
Backstory
Iceland is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge, making it one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Regular seismic events, ranging from minor tremors to significant earthquakes, are a characteristic feature of Icelandic geology. Seismic activity in Iceland is often due to magma movement beneath the earth’s crust. It may sometimes result in magma seeking the easiest path to the surface and becoming a volcanic eruption.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office, The National Police Commissioner, The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and a team of scientists from the University of Iceland are closely monitoring the situation and constantly analyzing developments. There is no way of accurately predicting whether, where, or when this could result in a volcanic eruption or the possible size of such an eruption, but the situation is being closely monitored and constantly evaluated based on the best scientific data available.
People are encouraged to stay alert and follow the news. The area is closed, and Police will stop all access to the town of Grindavík.
More information:
The Icelandic MET office: Information on the seismic activity and development of events
The Icelandic Road Administration: Information on road conditions and closures in the Reykjanes region
Safetravel: Updates on safety
The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service: News coverage
Visit Reykjanes: More updates from the area
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