8. May 2010
Volcanic eruption in South Iceland
According to the weather forecast ash might temporarily affect air travel to Keflavik international airport later today, May 8th. But there are four international airports in Iceland, and if one needs to close down, air traffic can be directed to the others.
Passengers are asked to follow closely the websites listed below for latest information.
Geo-tourism blooms
The spring is busy changing Iceland into its seasonal costume of bright green and the migrant birds have returned to the North, signalling the advent of summer. Icelanders expect a great increase in geo-tourism this year, and the spanish newspaper El País, recommends Iceland as one of the best places to witness the forces of nature at work.
Cleanest country in the world
In spite of the eruption, Iceland ranks as the cleanest country in the world according to Forbes magazine, and we look at the eruption as an ideal opportunity to further promote Iceland and encourage visitors to explore the unique nature we have to offer.
Icelanders are used to the geothermal wonders of the island and have learned how to make the best of it - as a result we are among the world leaders in green energy and sustainable development. Iceland is the only western country that produces all its electricity from emission-free and sustainable natural resources in the form of geothermal and hydro power.
The latest eruption has also proven to be an inspiration to designers
Lava flows safely north The eruption in Eyjafjallajokull is now producing much more lava than ash, although there was some increase in ash fall over the weekend. The lava is flowing at around 50 tons per second and has finally appeared from under the glacial cap, streaming down to the uninhabited north of the glacier. As before, the eruption poses no safety threat to travellers and is localized to a small, rural area!
Briefings at the press centres
The Civil Emergency Authorities arranges information meetings in the Media Center, Skógarhlíð 14, Reykjavík that will be on a weekly schedule, Thursdays from 8-9. The briefing will include a general status update, as well as brief updates from a geophysicist and a meteorologist.
You will find the latest press releases on their web-sites...Read more
All infrastructre secture
Icelandic infrastructure is prepared for earthquakes and volcanic activitiy so all systems are designed to withstand natural calamities.
Transmission of Electricity:
Transmission of Electricity 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.
Keflavik International Airport
Information from Icelandair
Information from Iceland Express
ISAVIA
Icelandic Civil Aviation Administration
Civil Emergency Authorities
