Flooding in the Skaftá has occurred for the second time in a week, after floodwater from the west part of the Skaftárjökull glacier, which entered the river on 20th June, has resumed.

The water is now flowing at high volume from the same part of the glacier, according to Snorri Zóphóníasson, a hydrologist for the Icelandic Met Office. Snorri says that the flood started last night and that the discharge of the river now stands at 700 cubic metres.

The flood was first recorded in measurements at Sveinstindur, which is about 20 km from the glacier site. The rising water levels have not yet reached built-up areas, but that situation is expected to change towards the latter part of the day. Snorri says that this flood is around twice as large as the one which occurred last weekend, and that it looks to be a typical of the eastern part of the glacier.

Civil Defence Service has issued an announcement which says that there is no risk to travel, but the public should be aware of sulphur pollution, especially near the site where the floodwater originated. Tourists in the area are requested to travel carefully. The water has submerged the road between Hólaskjól and Skaftárdal.

Source and image: visir.is

Labels: Natural disasters