Iceland: Volcanic eruption ongoing in the Reykjanes Peninsula as of June 12 /update 1

The eruption that began in the Reykjanes Peninsula May 29 is ongoing as of June 12. This is the fifth eruption to occur in the Sundhnukur crater row since December 2023. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) has advised that one crater remains active which is relatively stable. Seismicity levels have decreased and lava flows have slowed in recent days; however, lava flows crossed parts of the Grindavik Road June 8 and the IMO has warned that lava collecting in a lava pond to the southeast of Sylingarfell could burst again and trigger another surge of lava in the next few days. Gas emissions from the eruption caused poor air quality in Reykjavik June 11. A change of wind direction from southerly to southeasterly June 12 is expected to see a decrease in the air pollution in the capital; however, volcanic smog may continue to impact parts of southwestern and western Iceland over the coming days.

Authorities evacuated the Blue Lagoon Hotel and Spa and the town of Grindavik May 29 when the latest eruption was imminent. Only a few dozen of Grindavik's nearly 4,000 residents had returned to the town since it was first evacuated in November 2023. The Blue Lagoon reopened to the public June 11. 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 in recent months have had little impact on flight operations at the airport.