Glacial Flood in Mýrdalsjökull
A sudden glacial flood originating in Mýrdalsjökull glacier started last night, sweeping away the bridge across the river Múlakvísl on Mýrdalssandur. The road across Mýrdalssandur is closed as a result. Mýrdalsjökull glacier is also closed. There is danger of crevasses and cauldrons forming in the glacier.
The glacial flood was likely caused by draining of geothermal meltwater from underneath the east side of the glacier, but might also indicate minor sub-glacial volcanic activity beneath Mýrdalsjökull. The Icelandic Met Office reports that there is little to indicate volcanic activity in the area as of this morning, and water levels have subsided considerably.
For security reasons, the Civil Protection Authority has raised the security level to distress phase. There is no immediate danger outside of the glacier area.
The road across Mýrdalssandur from Skálm to the East, and Höfðabrekka to the West is closed. Reconstruction of the Múlakvísl bridge is already underway, but authorities have already started work on an alternative route in the meantime.
Original information from www.visiticeland.com