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An eruption has started in Reykjanes peninsula

The fifth eruption has started north-east of the town of Grindavik
14.01.2024
Image from the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, January 14th 2024
Image from the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, January 14th 2024

This morning, Sunday, January 14th, an eruption started a few km north of Grindavík. 

Due to the event the Police Authorities have declared a state of emergency in the region and the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management is now assessing the situation with specialists from the Icelandic MET office.

Any updated news will be announced.

Although it is a spectacular vision it is important to take all necessary precautions. Visitors are asked to stay away from the Grindavik area and not to stop the vehicles on the Reykjanesbraut highway (no. 41), while the situation is being processed. As for now all roads around the area have been closed. Follow updated news on road closures on road.is.

  • The eruption site is closed and therefore hiking in the area is prohibited. Please respect the closures and follow the instructions of the authorities.
  • The eruption is best viewed online with a live feed on the media sites mbl.is and ruv.is or from viewing sites from the towns of Reykjanesbær and Vogar.
  • The eruption is close to the town of Grindavik and other structures. 
  • The highway Reykjanesbraut (no. 41) is open and operating as usual and the international airport in Keflavík is functioning normally. All flights are currently operating on schedule. The impact of volcanic eruptions tends to be limited to specific, localized areas near the eruption site. Notably, previous eruptions in the area did not impact air travel to and from the country.

Useful links to monitor and review updates on the events:

  • The Icelandic MET office: Latest information on the seismic activity and development of events. The Icelandic Meteorological Office is observing and monitoring the eruption, analyzing developments and updating on any changes in cooperation with the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and a team of scientists from the University of Iceland.