Iceland engulfed by volcanic pollution cloud
Two craters on the Reykjanes peninsula began spewing sulphur-rich gas on Wednesday, creating a thick haze that has pushed the capital Reykjavik and the country's southwest into a red alert for pollution — the highest level on Iceland's scale.
'Volcanic eruptions normally cause air pollution, mainly from sulphur dioxide emissions,' said Hylnur Arnason of the Icelandic Energy and Environment Agency. 'The gas becomes sulfate in the atmosphere, creating a volcanic fog.'
'It's completely misty in large parts of the country,' he told reporters. 'Usually in Iceland we have lots of wind, which would carry the pollution away, but right now we don't. Now it's kind of just sitting over the whole country.'
Arnason said the gas was not toxic but could cause irritation. The environment agency has advised vulnerable people to stay indoors and take precautions.
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CNA
21-07-2025
- CNA
Iceland engulfed by volcanic pollution cloud
REYKJAVIK: A volcanic cloud has lingered over much of Iceland since last week's eruption, with experts on Monday (July 21) blaming the unusual lack of wind. Two craters on the Reykjanes peninsula began spewing sulphur-rich gas on Wednesday, creating a thick haze that has pushed the capital Reykjavik and the country's southwest into a red alert for pollution — the highest level on Iceland's scale. 'Volcanic eruptions normally cause air pollution, mainly from sulphur dioxide emissions,' said Hylnur Arnason of the Icelandic Energy and Environment Agency. 'The gas becomes sulfate in the atmosphere, creating a volcanic fog.' 'It's completely misty in large parts of the country,' he told reporters. 'Usually in Iceland we have lots of wind, which would carry the pollution away, but right now we don't. Now it's kind of just sitting over the whole country.' Arnason said the gas was not toxic but could cause irritation. The environment agency has advised vulnerable people to stay indoors and take precautions.
Straits Times
21-07-2025
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Iceland engulfed by volcanic cloud
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Tourists watching smoke and lava emanating from a volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula on July 16. REYKJAVIK - Iceland experts on July 21 blamed a lack of wind for a volcanic cloud that has lingered over much of the island since an eruption last week. Two craters of a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula spewed out the sulphur-packed cloud on July 16. The thick haze has left the capital Reykjavik and the south-west of the country in a pollution red alert, the highest level in Iceland's monitoring system. Mr Hylnur Arnason, of the Icelandic Energy and Environment Agency, said that volcanic eruptions normally cause air pollution, mainly from the sulphur dioxide that is emitted. The gas becomes sulfate in the atmosphere, creating a volcanic fog. 'It's completely misty in large parts of the country,' said Mr Arnason. 'Usually in Iceland, we have lots of wind, which would carry the pollution away, but right now we don't,' the expert added. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes at college campus Singapore ST Explains: What does it mean for etomidate to be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act? Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU introduces compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 World US passenger jet has close call with B-52 bomber over North Dakota Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip Singapore New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety 'Now it's kind of just sitting over the whole country.' Mr Arnason said the gas was not toxic but could be an 'irritant'. The environment agency has recommended that vulnerable people should remain at home and take precautions against the pollution. The wind was expected to start strengthening again late on July 21. AFP
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Iceland volcano erupts for ninth time since 2023
REYKJAVIK: A volcano erupted on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest on Wednesday (July 16), marking the ninth such event in the region since late 2023, according to weather authorities. Live footage showed lava spewing from a fissure in the ground, with the Icelandic Met Office saying the eruption began just before 4.00am local time (0400 GMT). Later in the day, the weather agency reported that the main fissure stretched approximately 2.4 kilometres (1.5 miles), and a second smaller fissure of about 500 metres had opened nearby. EVACUATIONS AND HEALTH WARNINGS Residents were advised to stay indoors due to elevated gas pollution levels. The nearby fishing village of Grindavik and the popular Blue Lagoon tourist attraction were both evacuated, broadcaster RUV reported. Police Commissioner Margret Kristin Palsdottir told RUV that around 100 people were evacuated from Grindavik and the operation had gone smoothly. She added that police had stopped some tourists from entering the danger zone. "Of course, we understand that this is a fascinating event, especially for tourists who are not as accustomed to it as we are," Palsdottir said. ERUPTION CONSIDERED LESS SEVERE Geophysicist Benedikt Ofeigsson told RUV the eruption appeared smaller than previous ones and was well-situated, as it was not close to any critical infrastructure. A risk assessment released on Tuesday had predicted no new eruptions before the autumn. The last eruption in the area occurred in April. When the first eruption hit in late 2023, most of Grindavik's 4,000 residents were evacuated. Since then, nearly all of the town's homes have been sold to the state and most residents have relocated. The Reykjanes peninsula had remained dormant for eight centuries until a period of increased seismic activity began in March 2021. Volcanologists have since warned that the region may be entering a new era of regular volcanic activity. The latest eruption was not expected to impact international air travel, RUV said. In contrast, a 2010 volcanic eruption in another part of Iceland caused widespread disruption after volcanic ash grounded flights across Europe. Iceland sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic boundary that separates the Eurasian and North American plates. It is home to 33 active volcanic systems, the most of any country in Europe.
