Landslides in Seyðisfjörður: Homes Evacuated
From Seyðisfjörður, yesterday. Photo/Diljá Jónsdóttir
An alert phase was declared last night in Seyðisfjörður, the East Fjords, due to landslides, mbl.is reports. An uncertainty phase is in effect for the rest of the East Fjords for the same reason.
The decision to declare an alert phase was made by the national police commissioner, in cooperation with the East Iceland chief of police and the Icelandic Met Office.
Fifty houses were evacuated after landslides occurred in Seyðisfjörður yesterday. The partly frozen soil in the mountain slopes is completely saturated after six days of unusually heavy rain. There is more precipitation in the forecast, which will likely be in the form of snow in the mountains.
About 120 people had to evacuate their homes last night, and there is still a risk of landslides. Not only in Seyðisfjörður, but also in Eskifjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður, did landslides occur.
No injuries have been reported, according to Morgunblaðið, and it is unclear whether there has been damage to property. The situation will be reassessed today to determine when it is safe for residents to return to their homes.
Rescue workers took care of clearing houses on four streets – a task that was completed by 5 pm yesterday. Subsequently, between 40 and 50 people sought shelter in a Red Cross emergency shelter in Seyðisfjörður, before being accommodated with friends and family. Rescue workers were busy clearing the streets of mud last night, and that work continues today.
