The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management has issued an update, in English, on the eruption and falling ash situation in the Eyjafjallajökull area.
“Eyjafjallajökull glacier and the foothills around the area is closed to the public,” the statement says in part. “Local changes in wind direction combined with heavy ash fall and lightening around the ash plume create hazardous conditions. In addition a closed area of 1 km radius area around the eruption site at Fimmvörðuháls is in force. All travel in and to these areas, both on foot and by vehicle, is banned. Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management caution against any travel on and around Mýrdalsjökull.”
Scientists in the area have already confirmed that the volcanic ash – already up to 10 cm thick in some areas – contains fluorine levels over the danger limit.
“National Route 1 is closed to traffic between Hvolsvöllur and Skógará. Route 261, Fljótshlíðarvegur is closed from Smáratún. Police report heavy traffic towards Hvolsvöllur. Police point out that, unlike the eruption Fimmvörðuháls, the eruption under the Eyjafjallajökull glacier cannot be considered a tourist destination. The situation in and around the area of the glacier is hazardous,” the statement says further.
The full statement, reprinted by RÚV – including a Polish summary – can be read here.
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