As the world has heard there is a volcano eruption in Iceland. The eruption began at Grímsvötn volcano at approximately 17:30 on May 21st. Because of the eruption Keflavik airport was closed this morning at 8:00 for all air traffic. The airport will be closed for undefined time because the ash from the eruption can be harmful to airplanes. Hopefully the airport will open later today or tomorrow morning but that depends on wind direction.

Participants at the Nordic Capitals School Games should not worry about travelling to Iceland. Daily life in Reykjavik goes on as usual as the immediate effects of the eruption remain for the most part localized - limited to an area in the south of Iceland. Businesses, public services, and public transportations will remain open and all infrastructures, such as electricity and communications networks, remain secure.  The volcano poses no safety threat to people in Iceland. No ash mist is visible in Reykjavik only in the towns close to the eruptions. Although some ash mist might reach the capital area, it is not likely to cause more air pollution than a heavy traffic day in Reykjavik. So no need for masks!

The photo below was taken at 9:00 this morning in Reykjavik. As you can see the weather is nice. The sky is clear, the sun is shining and no ash mist is visible. Don´t worry about travelling to Iceland when the airport opens again.

Haft verður samband við reykvísku þátttakendurnar símleiðis í kringum hádegi í dag og gefnar upplýsingar um skipulagið framundan. Ljóst er að erlendu þátttakendurnir komast ekki til landsins í dag en vonandi komast þeir þó til landsins í fyrramálið svo að hægt verði að halda mótið. Biðjum alla bíða rólega eftir nánari upplýsingum.