Uncertainty phase raised in East Iceland due to flooding
A farmer at his water-logged fields yesterday. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson
The Commissioner of the Icelandic Police and the District Chief of Police in East Iceland have decided to declare an uncertainty phase due to heavy rain and flooding in East Iceland. The water level of Lagarfljót (close to Egilsstaðir) has risen substantially for the last couple of hours and there is an increased risk of flooding. There is also the risk of landslides in the area due to the heavy rain.
Civil Protection uncertainty phase/level is characterized by an event which has already started and could lead to a threat to people, communities or the environment. At this stage the collaboration and coordination between the Civil Protection Authorities and stakeholders begins. Monitoring, assessment, research and evaluation of the situation is increased. The event is defined and a hazard assessment is conducted regularly.
Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson and Minister of communication Jón Gunnarsson are currently in East Iceland to assess the situation along with the head of the road administration, Hreinn Haraldsson.
Water level increased considerably yesterday. The floods have taken their tolls on livestock with lots of sheep drowning.
