Access has been restored to Grindavík for following last night’s eruption at Sundhnúkagígaróði. Authorities stress, however, that residents and company employees are entering at their own risk.
As reported by RÚV, tourists and the general public are still barred from the area.
According to the Chief of Police in Suðurnes, the volcanic activity has eased significantly.
Significant gas pollution
However, pollution from the eruption has spread far beyond the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Icelandic Meteorological Office reports that gas pollution has reached as far as Snæfellsnes, the Westfjords, and northern regions such as Skagafjörður and Akureyri.
Air quality monitors in Akureyri measured 650 micrograms of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) per cubic metre, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive individuals. At one point, levels spiked to over 6,000 micrograms in Njarðvík. Beyond that, a blue haze has been reported in places such as the Snæfellsnes and Tröllaskagi peninsulas.
Blue Lagoon open again
Despite the pollution, the Blue Lagoon is now open once more. The Civil Protection alert level has been downgraded from emergency to danger.
Volcanic activity at Sundhnúk continues to subside. However, webcams have been obscured by pollution, and according to natural hazard expert Bjarki Friis, up to ten craters may still be erupting, pending further drone inspection.
People are urged to monitor air quality and follow guidance from the Environment Agency of Iceland.
