Flood bridge hanging by a thread
The bridge's support structure exposed. Photo: Sigurður Bogi Sævarsson
Traffic is still closed over a bridge in South Iceland after flood water from the Skaftá glacier river flood ripped away a large section of river bank under the eastern end of the bridge.
Police closed Eldvatn Bridge on Saturday afternoon amid fears that the weakened structure could slowly collapse.
As can be seen from these pictures, much of the bridge’s sub-structure has been exposed by the flood and there is still uncertainty as to what will happen next.
The bridge is built into a layer of lava, under which is a layer of earth. The earth layer is currently below the water line and there is no way of knowing what is happening to it.
Despite signs that the flood is abating, water flows are still considerably higher than usual and authorities are still unsure as to how the bridge will be affected in the coming hours and days.
The flood water has washed away huge sections of land. Photo: Sigurður Bogi Sævarsson
Hanging by a thread. Photo: Sigurður Bogi Sævarsson
The bridge is still closed to traffic. Photo: Sigurður Bogi Sævarsson
