Indicator reports that a state of emergency was declared in Seyðisfjörður by the National Commissioner of Police last night. This is due to landslides that occurred in the area yesterday evening. The chief of police and the Icelandic Meteorological Office consulted on the matter.
About 120 people were forced to flee their homes due to the landslides. Indicator reports that no injuries have been reported so far, but some properties have been flooded. In the East Fjords, there has reportedly been heavy rain in the last six days, which has caused the accumulated precipitation to exceed 350 mm in Seyðisfjörður. Landslides have also occurred in Eskifjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður. As continued rain is forecast, there is a risk of further landslides.
Fréttablaðið reports that in addition to the declared state of emergency, a crisis level has been reported. This level of risk refers to cases that threaten human health and safety due to nature or human activities. The next step up from this would be an emergency level.
In response to the landslides, the Icelandic Red Cross opened an aid station in Seyðisfjörður last night, RÚV reports. Although there were initially 110-120 people at the aid station, no one stayed the night. The help desk will be reopened this morning to provide information and shelter to those who may need it.
Indicator reports this morning that those who were asked to evacuate their homes were given the opportunity to return home to collect some of their necessities. They will be escorted by the police or accompanied by rescue squads. This operation will be carried out systematically throughout the day.
Source: The Nordic Page