Iceland: Authorities issued evacuation orders due to increased volcanic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula as of May 29

Authorities have issued evacuation orders in parts of the Reykjanes Peninsula May 29 due to increased volcanic activity. Several eruptive episodes have occurred in the region since late 2023 and the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) has confirmed that a new eruptive episode has started early afternoon May 29. The IMO had earlier warned that increased seismic activity and ground deformation indicated that another magma propagation was imminent in the Sundhnukur crater row area, and due to the likelihood of another eruptive event authorities evacuated the Blue Lagoon Hotel and Spa and the town of Grindavik. Only a few dozen of Grindavik's nearly 4,000 residents have returned to the town since it was first evacuated in November 2023. Defensive barriers have been built around key infrastructure since eruptive activity began occurring in the area in December 2023 and are expected to prevent some roads and pipelines, as well as much of Grindavik, from being heavily impacted by lava flows.

Depending on the development of volcanic activity, officials may expand evacuation orders and close roads in the region at short notice. Eruptive activity at the volcano could prompt transport disruptions in the surrounding area. Lava flows could block highways and damage structures. Ashfall may reduce visibility, causing hazardous driving conditions, and could also pose an increased threat to air traffic. Flight disruptions are possible at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) if sustained eruptive activity occurs and winds direct volcanic material in the general direction of the airport; however, previous recent eruptive episodes have had little impact on flight operations at the airport.