Updated 28th of April 2010.
The volcano of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier
began erupting in the morning of the 12th of April 2010 shortly after
the eruption on Fimmvörðuháls stopped. This second eruption is estimated
to be between ten or twenty times more powerful than the first
eruption. The first eruption caused no damage and was described as the
“perfect tourist eruption” giving us great opportunities to offer
exciting new tours.
This much more powerful eruption is causing
trouble as it is situated underneath a glacier and the magma is melting
large quantities of ice. This melt water then comes down the Gígjökull
Glacier to the lowlands. Iceland is well prepared for such events and an
eruption such as this one in this location has been anticipated. The
possible flood paths have been mapped and the 700 citizens living in the
flood zone were quickly evacuated. Most of them have been allowed to
return to their homes while the volcano is closely monitored.
Some of Iceland Rovers tours are
affected by this eruption, Þórsmörk Glacier Valley and South Coast Glaciers and Waterfall in particular are on hold as the road has been flooded and there is some ash fall in the area.
However this is an important road in Iceland and we can be sure that it
will open again as soon as it is deemed safe. Apart from the damage on a
short stretch of the ring road, land transportation is affected very
little. Therefor all our other tours that do not cross this stretch of road
are running on schedule. For a full list of day tours from
Reykjavík not affected by the eruption take a look at the list below.
Day tours from Reykjavík not affected by the eruption:
A 4x4 super jeep will take you out to explore Iceland's
essentials. The first stop is the ancient parliament site of Þingvellir,
full of history and active geology. We then head up through the
Kaldidalur mountain pass most likely driving in deep snow that would
stop everything except our super jeep. The Kaldidalur, Cold Valley Pass,
will take us up to the Langjökull Glacier to drive on top of one of
Iceland's largest glaciers. After exploring the glacier we head out to
the lowlands north of Reykjavík to explore a lava tube cave, beautifull
waterfalls and the world's most largest hot spring. Guaranteed
departures on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
On this tour a super jeep will carry you
around the volcanic peninsula of Reykjanes to explore a wonderland of
craters, lava fields and hot springs south west of Reykjavik. After
exploring these volcanoes and geothermal areas we will visit the best
known hot spot in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa. Taking a
relaxing bath in the hot geothermal seawater of the Blue Lagoon is the
perfect way to end the day before we head back to Reykjavík. Guaranteed
departures on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Every guide book of Iceland starts by pointing out the Golden
Circle route. This has been the most popular day tour in Iceland for
decades, and for good reason. In one day we will be able to explore the
ancient parliament of Þingvellir, drive out to the magnificent Gullfoss
Waterfall and see the great Geysir geyser that erupts with powerful
bursts of boiling water dozens of meters into the air. During some part
of the drive we will also most likely see the Eyjafjallajökull Eruption
out in the distance. Guaranteed departures on Thursdays and
Saturdays.
A nice day tour from Reykjavík where we
go into a lava tube
cave to explore hidden features underground not far from Reykjavík. We
then head up to the Hellisheiði geothermal plateau, hopefully getting a
good view of the eruption out in the distance. Our journey will take us
along a winding gravel road on the plateau until we reach a very active
hot spring area. From there we will take a walk out to the Reykjadalur,
Smoke Valley where we find a steaming hot river to take a bath in. Guaranteed
departures
on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Best regards,
The Iceland Rovers Team
Following is an official announcement from the Icelandic Travel Board. This notice will be updated daily.
Last updated 27.04.2010 10:15 GMT (Printable version - PDF)
Some restrictions on air traffic
In light of the ash distribution forecast for today, there are restrictions on air traffic through Keflavik and Reykjavik airports. However, Akureyri and Egilsstaðir International Airports remain fully open. Passengers are asked to monitor flight schedules closely on travel industry web sites as the closing of the flight zones is based on regularly updated weather predictions.
Volcano 1/10th of its original size
The volcanic eruption is now about 1/10 of the size it was during the first few days. The plume of ash seems to be slowly decreasing and although some ash mist might reach other parts of Iceland (e.g. Reykjavik) it is not likely to cause more air pollution than a bad traffic day in Reykjavik. It is not necessary to use masks.
Clean-up in full swing
Over a hundred volunteers came to the Eyjafjallajokull area over the weekend, assisting with cleaning up the volcanic ash. The volunteers, which came from the Icelandic Red Cross, the accident prevention association Ice-Sar, the jeep association 4x4, and a group that was formed on Facebook – all lent a hand helping out at the area's few dozen farms and cleaning ash. The federation of women's associations in Iceland served lunch for the volunteers at the local service center.
Reykjavík alive and blooming
Day-to-day life continues in Iceland apart from the directly affected areas of the volcanic eruption in south Iceland, businesses are open as usual and society at large functions normally. As before, there is plenty to see and do while in Reykjavík. The whale watching season has officially started, new exhibitions are opening and sightseeing tours are running as normal, including jeep tours to view the volcano.
Prepared and alert
Although the volcano poses no safety threat to people in Iceland, visitors are nevertheless encouraged to follow developments and seek factual information from the relevant authorities. Icelanders are resilient people who have learned to live in harmony with the forces of nature. The civil protection and emergency management authorities in Iceland are prepared, alert, and effective and have the situation at the eruption site well under control.
Since there has been some discussion regarding the volcano Katla, it is important to note that there is still no indication of an eruption there.
Daily briefings at the press centres
The Civil Emergency Authorities arranges for daily briefings at 8:00 at the press centres in Reykjavik and Hvolsvollur. The briefings will include a general status update, as well as brief updates from a geophysicist and a meteorologist. The address in Reykjavik is Skogarhlid 14. The address at Hvolsvollur is Dufthaksbraut 10. You will find the latest press releases on their web-sites...Read more
All Infrastructures Secure
Icelandic infrastructure is prepared for earthquakes and volcanic activitiy so all systems are designed to withstand natural calamities.
Transmission of Electricity:
Transmission of Electricity is secure and has not been affected by the volcanic activity. Developments in the volcanic activity are being followed closely, with a maintenance team ready to respond to any events if needed. The electrical transmission network in Iceland is circular with all power plants directly connected to the main grind. Thus in case of a transmission failure a backup power is always available from the other side to the rest of the island.
Communication:
The main telecommunications network is extremely robust and based on two main systems. It is designed with redundancy for both equipment and power and also incorporates backup routes for critical traffic.
Míla‘s Optical Fiber Cable, that carries almost all national and international telecommunication traffic, is secure. The design for the backhaul connections for the submarine cables connecting Iceland to the mainland takes into consideration necessary backup routes in case of Fiber Cable damage.