Authorities in Iceland warn of rockfalls after volcanic eruption

#NordicNews on destinations and Iceland

Hikers in Iceland to beware of rockfalls after volcanic eruption

On 10 July 2023, a volcano erupted about 30 kilometres from Iceland's capital Reykjavik. The Icelandic authorities warn hikers of an increased risk of rockfall on the Reykjanes peninsula.

Since the eruption, about 300 earthquakes have been recorded on the Reykjanes peninsula. The eruption occurred between the summit of Litli-Hrútur and Mount Keilir in southwest Iceland. Most of the quakes had a magnitude of less than 2.0, but two tremors had a magnitude of 2.0 and 2.1. Lava began flowing from a 1-kilometre-long fissure in the earth on Monday. Significant seismic activity was recorded in the run-up to the eruption, but fissure eruptions do not normally produce large explosions or ash ejections.

The area is not near population centres or critical infrastructure, and there were no flight disruptions. However, police are warning of gas risks and the possibility of new cracks. Icelandic authorities said that activity at the eruption site is decreasing, but warned that there is still a risk of toxic gas. They also strongly advise against being near the eruption site.

Mount Keilir is currently classified as a danger zone due to the gases. Forest fires are also a risk because of the magma. New fissures could also open up.

More on the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

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