Ring Road closed in sections east of Vík due to glacial flood from Mýrdalsjökull

The Ring Road remains closed in sections east of Vík due to a glacial flood from Mýrdalsjökull that occurred yesterday. The road was damaged east of the Skálm River, and repair work commenced early this morning. Authorities aim to reopen the road by evening.

Geophysicist Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson stated that this event marks the fourth significant glacial flood from Mýrdalsjökull since the Katla eruption in 1918. The previous floods occurred in 1955, 1999, and 2011, with this latest event appearing to be somewhat smaller in scale. Initial assessments suggest that the flow yesterday reached a maximum that was only about one-third of the force that led to the 2011 damage.

Following the flood, there was some seismic activity recorded in Mýrdalsjökull overnight, although Guðmundsson does not believe this indicates an impending event. He noted that such seismicity can occur due to changes in water pressure beneath the glacier.

Until the Ring Road is opened, detours through Fjallabak north are available but accessible only for well-equipped vehicles. Rain is forecasted, with a yellow weather warning in place for South Iceland until tomorrow. This may lead to increased water levels in rivers and streams.

Two excavators are currently being used to restore connectivity over the Skálm River, where the damage occurred. Recent assessments have indicated that two separate glacial floods may have occurred, one being minor and affecting Emstruá. Seismic activity is ongoing in the southern area of the glacier, triggering concern but not indicating imminent volcanic activity.