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An eruption has begun on the Reykjanes Peninsula - Latest updates

This is the tenth eruption in the past 3-years, and the seventh in the past 12 months. The eruption began at 23:14 on November 20th and the remaining residents in Grindavik have been successfully evacuated. The location is similar to that of the previous eruption, and the fissure is around 3km long.
21.11.2024

Monitoring and first response:

The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management and the local authorities have activated all necessary security measures and the area around Grindavík, the Blue Lagoon and the Svartsengi area have been evacuated. The scientists at the Icelandic Metrologic Office and from the Universities are processing the information gathered and monitoring the event. When the area and the information on the event have been properly processed, an update will be published here regarding accessibility to the area.




Access to the eruption site and viewing sites:

  • While the event is being evaluated a road closure has been set up by Hafnir on road no. 44, on Grindavikurvegur (road no. 43) and Suðurstrandarvegur (no 427) by Krísuvíkurvegur. These closures have a temporary effect on some of the sites in the Reykjanes region; The Bridge between continents, Gunnuhver geothermal area, Reykjanes lighthouse, the Blue lagoon, Eldvörp, and the eruption sites in Mt. Fagradalsfjall. Any updates will be posted as soon as it changes.
  • The new eruption area is not open to visitors. Visitors need to view it from afar. Please respect the closures and follow the instructions from the authorities.
  • The eruption can be seen from the main road no. 41 (Reykjanesbraut), but visitors are advised not to stop the cars on the highway. Visitors who want to view and see the eruption are advised to use the viewpoints on the northern side of the peninsula, which can be seen on the map below. 
  • The access to the area is closed and road no. 43 towards Grindavik has been closed. Further information and updates on road closures can be viewed on the road administration website, www.road.is.




Key Takeaways

  • Air traffic to and from Iceland operates normally, and the country remains a safe destination.
  • The eruption's effects are localized to the eruption site with road closures and do not threaten people.
  • All services in Iceland are operating as usual.


Footage from helicopter (from www.visir.is):



Drone footage of the ongoing eruption (from www.visir.is):



Useful links to monitor and review updates on the events: