Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon has closed for a week due to fears of a volcanic eruption in the area.
The closure, until 16 November, affects the Blue Lagoon, Silica Hotel, Retreat Spa, Retreat Hotel, Lava, and Moss Restaurant.
On its website, the tourist attraction said the closure was a ‘precautionary measure’.
It follows a recording of 1,400 small earthquakes in the region in 24 hours, seven of which were above M4. A magnitude 5 earthquake, which is considered ‘moderate’, was detected about 30kms from Reykjavik.
The Icelandic Met Office is warning that further seismic activity can be expected on the Reykjavik Peninsula, where the Blue Lagoon is located, following an accumulation of magma. “The magma intrusion causes increased tension in the area,” it said.
On Tuesday, the Foreign Office warned of a possible eruption in Iceland close to the Blue Lagoon. It said: “Earthquake and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Rekjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik.
“The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area north-west of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon.
“Although there is no current eruption, it is possible that one could occur. You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities advice on travel to the area.”
Announcing its temporary closure, the Blue Lagoon said: “We aim to mitigate any disruption to our guests’ experiences and alleviate the sustained pressure on our employees.
“During this time, Blue Lagoon Iceland will carefully monitor the seismic developments, in cooperation with the local authorities, and reassess the situation as necessary.”
The facilities are due to reopen at 7am on 16 November.
The post Iceland’s Blue Lagoon closes following hundreds of mini earthquakes appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
The closure, until 16 November, affects the Blue Lagoon, Silica Hotel, Retreat Spa, Retreat Hotel, Lava, and Moss Restaurant.
On its website, the tourist attraction said the closure was a ‘precautionary measure’.
It follows a recording of 1,400 small earthquakes in the region in 24 hours, seven of which were above M4. A magnitude 5 earthquake, which is considered ‘moderate’, was detected about 30kms from Reykjavik.
The Icelandic Met Office is warning that further seismic activity can be expected on the Reykjavik Peninsula, where the Blue Lagoon is located, following an accumulation of magma. “The magma intrusion causes increased tension in the area,” it said.
On Tuesday, the Foreign Office warned of a possible eruption in Iceland close to the Blue Lagoon. It said: “Earthquake and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Rekjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik.
“The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area north-west of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon.
“Although there is no current eruption, it is possible that one could occur. You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities advice on travel to the area.”
Announcing its temporary closure, the Blue Lagoon said: “We aim to mitigate any disruption to our guests’ experiences and alleviate the sustained pressure on our employees.
“During this time, Blue Lagoon Iceland will carefully monitor the seismic developments, in cooperation with the local authorities, and reassess the situation as necessary.”
The facilities are due to reopen at 7am on 16 November.
The post Iceland’s Blue Lagoon closes following hundreds of mini earthquakes appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
