Location: Iceland; active seismic activity and signs of potential volcanic eruption in Reykjanes peninsula, southwest Iceland
Event: The Icelandic Civil Protection authorities had raised the risk level for Reykjanes and the greater Reykjavik capital area to “alert phase” due to the ongoing seismic activity. Now there are signs of a possible volcanic eruption in the area. Rescue teams on the Reykjanes peninsula have been put on a state of emergency.
A M5.7 earthquake occurred on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula last Wednesday and thousands of earthquakes have followed since. The quakes have been felt across much of the country. Officials from the Icelandic Meteorological Office says residents should be prepared for the possibility of still larger earthquakes and potential eruption south of Keilir.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid the area near Keilir.
- Notify friends and family of your safety.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Monitor the local news for updates including the online English language newspaper The Iceland Monitor https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/
- Seek secure shelter.
- The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management provides guidelines on how to prepare for earthquakes in English at https://www.almannavarnir.is/english/preventive-measures/earthquakes-duck-cover-hold/
- Livestream in Case of Eruption: https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news/2021/03/02/livestream_in_case_of_eruption/
- Follow the latest alerts on https://safetravel.is/
Assistance
- S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland
+354-595-2200
+354-595-2248 (after hours)
- State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Iceland Country Information [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iceland.html]
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates: https://step.state.gov/step/
