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Restriction of Public Access Near Volcanic Eruption

Restrictions enforced on public access to the Reykjanes Peninsula's Litli-Hrútur eruption site due to dangerous gas emissions; National Police implementing the ban.

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Restriction of Public Access Near Volcanic Eruption

The Latest Volcanic Activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Avert your eyes, tourist! The police have blocked off the area surrounding the current volcanic eruption at Litli-Hrútur due to the high risk of exposure to toxic volcanic gases seeping from ground fissures. Geophysics professor Magnús Tumi Guðmundson, a volcano expert, reminds us that unprotected viewers have no business approaching the eruption.

Contrary to rumors, this recent event is distinct from the eruption that took place in April 2025 in the Sundhnúksgígar crater row near Grindavík, which lasted only a day. While there was a volcanic event at Litli-Hrútur back in August 2023, it has since come to an end.

This latest eruption, which began at 4.40pm GMT, is considerably larger than previous events in the area, with at least three times the lava output and a far greater amount of gaseous emissions.

In light of the unpredictable and constantly evolving nature of volcanoes, the Civil Protection and Emergency Management Department of the National Police previously advised the public to steer clear of the eruption site.

The region is grappling with severe gas pollution, and experts warn that the current Litli-Hrútur eruption far exceeds the scale of recent events. To understand the specific gases being emitted, specialists from the Icelandic Meteorological Office are studying the gas concentrations. Their findings will not be available until tomorrow.

The existing weather conditions exacerbate the risk of toxic gas accumulation. This odorless gas is extremely dangerous when inhaled.

In summary, while there was a recent eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula, it's best to heed the warnings and keep your distance. If you're seeking specific details about gas composition, consult local geoscientific reports or updates from the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Rest assured, life in Iceland remains normal, and no ongoing eruptions are currently impeding travel or local activities.

  1. The current volcanic eruption at Litli-Hrútur on the Reykjanes Peninsula is causing concern due to the high risk of exposure to toxic volcanic gases.
  2. Despite rumors, the recent event at Litli-Hrútur is distinct from the 2025 eruption in the Sundhnúksgígar crater row and the 2023 event at the same location, which have both ended.
  3. This latest eruption, which began at 4.40pm GMT, is considerably larger than previous events in the area, emitting a far greater amount of gaseous emissions.
  4. The Civil Protection and Emergency Management Department of the National Police advises the public to steer clear of the Litli-Hrútur eruption site due to the unpredictable and constantly evolving nature of volcanoes.
  5. Specialists from the Icelandic Meteorological Office are assessing the specific gases being emitted by the eruption, with their findings set to be available tomorrow.
  6. The existing weather conditions are exacerbating the risk of toxic gas accumulation, making it crucial to avoid inhaling these odorless, extremely dangerous gases.
Access to the eruption site of Litli-Hrútur on Reykjanes Peninsula is prohibited because of hazardous gases. The National Police are implementing this restriction.

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