Although the eruption in Eyjafjallajokull continues, there have not been any reports of ash fall today. Some ash mist has been detected to the west of the volcano. The Icelandic Met Office expects south-easterly winds today, and that the wind force will gradually increase. An ashen mist is expected towards the north-east of the volcano, and small quantities of ash might even reach Reykjavík.

2 out of 4 International Airports remain open

The Aviation Authorities in Iceland have announced that, in light of the ash distribution forecast, the flight zone around Keflavik and Reykjavik Airports is expected to close down for the weekend. The international airports at Akureyri and Egilsstaðir, however, remain open. Icelandic airlines are now directing their flights through Akureyri – providing regular bus service to and from Reykjavik. Passengers are asked to monitor flight schedules closely on travel industry web sites.

Keflavik International Airport

Information from Icelandair

Information from Iceland Express

United in cleansing efforts

A great number of firemen, local inhabitants, as well have been busy cleaning houses and fields in the ash fall area today and yesterday. Among the volunteers were 25 search and rescue teams from all over the country, helping out at the 20 farms in the affected area.

Daily life not affected – No safety threats!

Daily life in Iceland goes on as usual as the immediate effects of the eruption remain for the most part localized - limited to an area in the south of Iceland.  Businesses, public services, and public transportations have remained open and all infrastructures, such as electricity and communications networks, remain secure. 

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.

Prepared and alert

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.