Areas north of Dyngjujökull declared possible danger zone

The Police Commissioner in Húsavík and Seyðisfjörður have decided  to close and evacuate the area North of Vatnajökull following the seismic activity in Bárðarbunga.

This decision is a safety measure. It cannot be ruled out that the seismic activity in Bárðarbunga could lead to a volcanic eruption. There is no change in the seismic activity at the moment and no sign of an eruption and experience shows that seismic activity can be ongoing for a long time without an eruption going off. This is first and foremost a precautionary action since the evacuation of the area is impossible on a short notice.  

In accordance with procedure, the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police has raised the Civil Protection level to Alert Phase. All roads leading into the area are now closed and the authorities in Húsavík and Seyðisfjörður are evacuating the area North of Vatnajökull. 

The Civil Protection Alert Phase is declared; “if threat assessment shows that hazard is increasing, a preventive measure must be taken immediately to secure the safety of those who are in the area. That is done by strengthening response measures in the area, and by taking preventive actions such as evacuation and closing off the area in question. Increased preparedness and warnings are also common in this phase."