Natural Disaster Alert – U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland (February 24, 2021)
Location: Iceland; very active seismic activity in southwest Iceland
Event: The Icelandic Civil Protection authorities have raised the risk level for Reykjanes and the greater Reykjavik capital area to “alert phase.” This is due to the ongoing seismic activity.
A M5.7 earthquake occurred on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula at 10.05am this morning, and dozens 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. There is no sign of volcanic activity in the area.
Actions to Take:
- 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/
- 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/
