Glacial flood leads to Ring Road closure at Skálm River in Iceland

A glacial flood has begun from Mýrdalsjökull, causing the closure of the Ring Road at the Skálm River due to water overflowing the road. A natural hazard expert indicated that this situation is likely not an indication of an impending volcanic eruption. However, the project manager for the Road and Coastal Administration has expressed concerns that the Skálmar Bridge might fail.

Water is currently flowing over the Skálmar Bridge and across a section of the Ring Road about one kilometer east of the bridge. The Ring Road has been closed for a brief stretch, with fears that the bridge or road could collapse. “Conditions are such that water has overflowed the Skálmar Bridge and there is a flood approximately five hundred meters to one kilometer east of the bridge,” noted the project manager, Agúst Freyr Bjartmarsson. He mentions that while the bridge could potentially fail, the situation seems to be improving as the water level appears to be slightly decreasing.

In the last twenty-four hours, increased gas levels have been recorded near the Láguhvol area, accompanied by reports of a sulfur smell along rivers originating from Mýrdalsjökull. Unusually high electrical conductivity has also been observed in the Skálm River near road V412, prompting authorities to advise against travel near the sources of the glacial rivers.

Despite these developments, Böðvar Sveinsson, a natural hazard specialist, reassured that there are no signs of a volcanic eruption, suggesting that this flood is relatively small and may soon subside. He explained that such floods have become a regular occurrence, typically triggered by seasonal rain and higher temperatures. Visitors to the region are advised to remain cautious, especially near the sources of glacial rivers.