The Civil Protection and Emergency Management of Iceland has elevated the Aviation colour codes of the Bárðarbunga area from Yellow to Orange which reads: “Volcano is exhibiting heightened unrest with increased likelihood of eruption”, or “Volcanic eruption is underway with no or minor ash emission.”

From the Icelandic Meteorological Office:

“The intense seismic activity that started on 16 of August at Bárðarbunga persists. Very strong indications of ongoing magma movement, in connection with dyke intrusion, is corroborated by GPS measurements. There are currently two swarms: one to the E of Bárðarbunga caldera and one at the edge of Dyngjujökull just E of Kistufell. At 2.37 am on the 18th a strong earthquake (M4) was located in the Kistufell swarm.

This is the strongest earthquake measured in the region since 1996. As evidence of magma movement shallower than 10 km implies increased potential of a volcanic eruption, the Bárðarbunga aviation color code has been changed to orange. Presently there are no signs of eruption, but it cannot be excluded that the current activity will result in an explosive subglacial eruption, leading to an outburst flood (jökulhlaup) and ash emission. The situation is monitored closely.”

Aviation Colour codes recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):

All traffic on tracks in the shaded areas is prohibited until further notice due to a danger of flooding in connection with a possible volcano eruption in the northern part of Vatnajökull glacier. The Civil Protection and Emergency Management of Iceland has issued a status of emergency in the area: