The Icelandic Civil Defence stressed that the Holuhraun eruption area is restricted. Closures have been in force in the area north of Vatnajökull glacier since 18 August. The reason for this is danger related to eruptions, such as flash glacial flooding, poisonous gasses, flowing lava and hot lava-stones.
Despite this, six new tire-tracks were spotted within the restricted area yesterday, reports the National Broadcasting Service, RÚV.
Víðir Reynisson, an official with the Icelandic Civil Defence, says the Holuhraun eruption area is currently the most dangerous place in all of Iceland and should be treated as such.
“We ask the public to stop and think before they act.”
He adds that events can shift quickly and one cannot rule out an eruption at the edge of Bárðarbunga caldera. Such an eruption would melt large quantities of ice, leading to a massive jökulhlaup, accompanied by ashfall.
The Icelandic Civil Defence has drawn up emergency evacuation plans to ensure they can act quickly in the light of such events. However, the department only has the manpower and time to evacuate the 20 to 30 scientists working within the restricted area.
The Icelandic Civil Defence stressed that the Holuhraun eruption area is restricted. Closures have been in force in the area north of Vatnajökull glacier since 18 August. The reason for this is danger related to eruptions, such as flash glacial flooding, poisonous gasses, flowing lava and hot lava-stones.
Despite this, six new tire-tracks were spotted within the restricted area yesterday, reports the National Broadcasting Service, RÚV.
Víðir Reynisson, an official with the Icelandic Civil Defence, says the Holuhraun eruption area is currently the most dangerous place in all of Iceland and should be treated as such.
“We ask the public to stop and think before they act.”
He adds that events can shift quickly and one cannot rule out an eruption at the edge of Bárðarbunga caldera. Such an eruption would melt large quantities of ice, leading to a massive jökulhlaup, accompanied by ashfall.
The Icelandic Civil Defence has drawn up emergency evacuation plans to ensure they can act quickly in the light of such events. However, the department only has the manpower and time to evacuate the 20 to 30 scientists working within the restricted area.
