This is the fourth eruption of the volcano in the past three months, and the most powerful on record.
advertisementAn Icelandic volcano has erupted for the fourth time in three months, making it the most powerful eruption to date.
The eruption began just before 8:30pm local time on Saturday and is still continuing, but scientists say it is likely to subside.
Hundreds of tourists were evacuated from the Blue Lagoon hot springs, one of Iceland's top tourist attractions, when the eruption began, according to state broadcaster RUV.
The eruption site is a few kilometers northeast of Grindavik, a coastal city with a population of 3,800, about 50 kilometers southwest of Iceland's capital Reykjavik. Residents of Grindavik were told to leave their homes.
Iceland's main international airport, Keflavik International Airport, remains open and aircraft are still arriving and departing, despite being located just 20 kilometers north of the eruption site. However, roads around Grindavik are closed to traffic.
If you are planning to travel to or from affected areas, here are details of advice from European governments and airlines.
How long will Iceland's volcanic eruption last?
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the eruption created a 3km-long fissure in the earth between the Stora Skogfell and Hagafell mountains.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said on Sunday that the lava was flowing south and southeast at about 1 km per hour and could reach the ocean. Defense walls are being built to prevent flooding on the main road along the peninsula's southern coast. These are retained for now.
The community of Grindavik had previously been evacuated in November following a series of earthquakes that caused large cracks in the ground between the town and the small mountain Seelingar Fell to the north.
Until its recent eruption, the Svartsengi volcanic system north of Grindavik had been dormant for about 780 years. The volcano, located just a few kilometers west of Fagradalsfjall, was dormant for 6,000 years before reigniting in March 2021.
Iceland's volcanic eruption is 'not a tourist attraction'
Icelandic authorities declared a state of emergency in November after hundreds of small earthquakes hit the island nation's most populous region, the Reykjanes Peninsula.
“This is not a tourist attraction, so we have to watch from a distance,” Vidir Reynisson, Iceland's head of civil protection and emergency management, told state broadcaster RUV.
However, this spectacular natural phenomenon is difficult for people to resist. “It's just [like] Something from a movie! ” said Robert Donald Forester III, a tourist from the United States.
Local residents have mixed feelings. “The towns involved may be submerged under the lava,” said Ael Kermarek, a French tour guide living in Iceland. “It's amazing to see, but it's also kind of bittersweet right now.”
Has your flight to Iceland been cancelled?
Despite concerns about the impact eruption Although necessary for travel, nearby Keflavik Airport remains operational.Icelandic airport operator ISAVIA advises passengers to monitor flight information here.
volcanic eruption Ash released into the atmosphere can pose a significant risk to air travel, as it can cause jet engine failure, damage to flight control systems, and reduce visibility.
However, Saturday's eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula is not expected to release large amounts of ash into the atmosphere.
A major eruption occurred in Iceland in April 2010, causing widespread disruption to air travel between Europe and North America. More than 100,000 flights were canceled in eight days after 2.5 billion cubic meters of volcanic ash spewed into the air.
advertisementDespite fears of a recurrence, Eyjafjallajokull erupted in conditions that produced a huge amount of volcanic ash. The glaciers at the top caused melt water to rapidly cool the lava, creating tiny particles that were launched into the air by the steam produced by the eruption. These were then carried on the wind towards Europe.
Three eruptions have occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the past three years, but air travel was not affected.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is also increasing its preparedness for large-scale volcanic ash events.
A statement posted on EASA's website in November said: “In the event of an eruption and the development of a volcanic ash cloud, the authority will work with other aviation stakeholders to assess the aviation impact and respond accordingly. Make recommendations.''
Is it safe to travel to Iceland?
Various European foreign ministries advise travelers to stay away from Grindavik and abide by local regulations.they take tourists Icelandic Meteorological Agency and safe travel in iceland For the latest advice.
advertisementThe UK Foreign Office said in its latest travel advice to Iceland:
“Iceland is volcanically and seismically active. Recently there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, the most recent eruption occurred on March 16th.
Keflavik International Airport and the roads leading to it are unaffected and are operating normally.
The capital Reykjavik and other parts of Iceland were unaffected by the eruption. Further eruptions at this location remain likely. ”
They said the eruption area would be closed until further notice and called on people to respect the closure. However, they did not advise against traveling to the country completely.
advertisementVisitors are urged to stay away from the area surrounding the eruption and to follow instructions and guidance from local authorities.
No countries have issued 'do not travel' warnings for Iceland, airlines and travel companies are operating as usual, and travelers who cancel their reservations are not automatically entitled to a refund. means.
During the last eruption, Jonathan Frankham, general manager of travel insurance company World Nomads, said, “For those worried about travel insurance coverage or whether it's best to cancel their trip, use common sense.'' I would like to advise travelers to work and travel wisely.”
“It is important to note that insurance purchased after the earthquake and associated volcanic eruption became a ‘known event’ will likely not provide coverage, but please refer to the policy wording for exact details. We recommend that you check it out.”
He advised tourists to contact their airlines and travel agencies for assistance and updates.
advertisementIs Blue Lagoon open?
of blue coral reef A geothermal spa, one of Iceland's biggest tourist attractions, was evacuated on Saturday as a volcanic eruption began.
Officials say the spa is still closed and will remain closed tomorrow (Tuesday). Website.
“Due to the volcanic eruption that began in Sundu Nukagigal on March 16, we have evacuated and temporarily closed all sales departments.
Despite these recent events, all of our facilities remain in good condition and are surrounded by protective barriers designed to protect Blue Lagoon's critical infrastructure from potential lava flows.
We will continue to closely follow the guidelines and recommendations of the authorities and work with them to monitor the development of the situation. ”
advertisementBlue Lagoon management said they have contacted all customers with reservations and that those wishing to change or cancel their reservations can do so through their website.
