Glacial flood recedes after affecting Skálm river in South Iceland

A glacial flood originating from the Skálm river in South Iceland, which began yesterday, is currently receding. The electrical conductivity and water level in the river have decreased since last night. There is a potential risk of gas pollution near the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, prompting travel advisories for visitors in the area.

The flood that commenced yesterday was significantly smaller than the one that occurred at the end of July, which led to major disruptions as the river overflowed onto roads. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, it is common for rivers like Skálm to release floodwater following significant events, such as the one experienced earlier this summer.

Nature hazard expert Minney Sigurðardóttir noted, “The current event is relatively minor, primarily involving geothermal input into the system and a slight increase in water level.” She explained that comparing this to the July flood, the rise in water level now measures between 20 and 25 centimeters, while the previous event saw increases as high as 130 centimeters, resulting in the river flooding over a kilometer stretch.

Visitors near the river’s source are advised to exercise caution due to the potential for gas exposure.