A Flood Has Started In Skaftá

The river Skaftá in Southern Iceland has been seeing changes in recent days indicating a flood has begun.

Electrical conductivity in the river has increased steadily over the past two days, an indication that geothermal factors are involved. The water level has also risen in the past few hours, according to MBL. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, sulphuric smells have also been reported in the vicinity of Skaftá and Hverfisfljót.

Residents and passersby in the area are encouraged to remain diligent and apprise themselves of potential changing conditions in the area. Flooding over the riverbank and across nearby roads is possible in the next few days.

Additionally, the concentration of hydrogen sulphide from glacier runoff to the river is so high that it may damage the mucus membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract. Cracks are also able to quickly form around Vatnajökull at this time. Tourists are therefore encouraged to avoid this area as well as Skaftárjökull, Tungnárjökull and Síðujökull where running water may come to the surface.

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