Ashfall may lead to water shortage

Research has been done in recent years on the ice in northwestern Vatnajökull, and the two largest layers measured 1cm thick in a 100km distance from the glacier. Experts claim this is a considerable amount, comparable to the ashlayers that were seen near Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the Grímsvatn eruption in 2011.

Cold have a massive impact on all of eastern Iceland

The Icelandic Association for East-Iceland Authorities concluded their meeting just now about the potential threats of volcanic activity in Vatnajökull. Their statement puts emphasis on that a plan of action should be made for all of eastern Iceland; the security and safety of everyone in that region is paramount. They also ask that the government ensure funding for research and observation while the situation lasts. Volcanologist Ármann Höskuldsson addressed the meeting about possible consequences of a Bárðarbunga eruption. He said that the effects could be massive; possible water shortage in many towns, power outages and loss of communication lines, along with considerable flood risks and the usual effects of ash.

Among the concerns that Civil Protection is considering if a sub-glacial eruption takes place in Vatnajökull, with the inevitable ashfall that follows, is water shortages in eastern Iceland. A plan of action is being worked on that puts emphasis on reacting to potential hazardous gas emissions and ashfall. A tight net of pollution sensors will be set up all over the country in the next few months.

Water reservoirs contaminated

"Our experience from the Grímsvatn eruption in 2011 is guiding us. Dozens of water reservoirs were contaminated by the ashfall. A massive project was started to drill for new underground reservoirs as well as connecting farms to sealed water systems. Water had to be transported by hand for weeks after the eruption ended because all the reservoirs were unusable. We're working with local residents to map the potential risks. Water and electricity are things many take for granted, and when they're in short supply problems will inevitably arise, this is a big concern for us," says Víðir Reynisson, district manager of the Civil Protection division at the office of the National Police Commissoner.

In planning stages

A plan of action is now being made for all of eastern Iceland, which currently includes the police districts of Eskifjörður and Seyðisfjörður. The first meeting between local town authorities and Civil Protection is scheduled for Tuesday.

"Our two primary concerns are ashfall and gas emissions. The gas takes priority as it is currently affecting the area," states Víðir, who adds that they've even been asked if they'll start distributing gas masks to the local residents, but that option has been ruled due to the size of the affected area.

Civil Protection are turning towards Hawaii as a model for how to react to gas emissions from volcanos. Their respective institutions have exchanged communications and been given data and advice. Already a Hawaiian plan of action has been published here detailing how to react to gas emissions. Among the most helpful aspects of this cooperation is the realization that more gas sensors are needed, and that matter is being taken care of.

More pollution sensors added

"We're getting in new sensors. Not all of them will be linked directly to us, but they will be monitored on a daily basis and their data will be published at regular intervals when circumstances call for it. The net of sensors will be tight - 25 sensors will be set up all around the country and another 15 will be mobile, deployed where and when they will be needed. Gathering and publishing this date is a very important factor that will allow everyone to take appropriate precautions as needed on an individual basis," claims Víðir and adds that information flow is the basis of all civil protection actions.