All Traffic Prohibited in Seyðisfjörður

All traffic has been prohibited in Seyðisfjörður, the East Fjords, according to an SMS message sent from the police to residents, mbl.is reports. An alert phase is still in effect in the town, due to the risk of landslides.

Residents are reportedly much more concerned than they were yesterday. The town has seen several landslides in recent days, due to unseasonably heavy rain. Such continuous, heavy rain, only occurs once every 50 years, states Chief Inspector Þórhallur Árnason.

No injuries have been reported, but one house was destroyed in a landslide overnight.

Inspector Jens Hilmarsson worries about the possibility of the coronavirus spreading to Seyðisfjörður with visitors, he tells Morgunblaðið .

He encourages people who do not live in the area to avoid any unnecessary travel there in the coming days. The situation is difficult enough as it is, following the landslides in recent days.

“I know there are many people who own property here and who don’t live here, who are worried about their property, which is understandable,” he states.

The police will respond to inquiries received and inspect the properties. Owners are asked to call the emergency line 112 or the rescue team Ísólfur with such requests.

“We’d much rather inspect them for the people than have them arrive here under these difficult conditions here in Seyðisfjörður. The conditions will remain difficult as long as the rain continues, ” Jens states.