Grindavík has now been reopened to public traffic despite ongoing volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
As reported by RÚV, the decision was made following a revised risk assessment by the Chief of Police in the Suðurnes region. An announcement was made late yesterday evening following two days of restricted access to the town.
The updated assessment classifies the risk in both Grindavík and nearby Svartsengi as ‘moderate’. Rather than lava, it is gas pollution and wildfires that are now identified as the main hazards.
Earlier in the week, residents and local business owners protested in frustration over being barred from the town while the nearby Blue Lagoon was allowed to reopen. That restriction has now been lifted.
Several hazards remain
With that said, authorities continue to warn the public about visiting areas near the eruption sites. In a statement, the police said: “the eruption zone remains dangerous, and conditions can change rapidly.”
Examples of this might include gas levels spiking suddenly when winds drop, or new fissures opening without warning. On top of that, there remains the risk of newly hardened lava collapsing, and even lava flows that might be difficult, or impossible, to outrun.
As of 11 am today, the now-weaker eruption remains active and is being closely monitored.
