Major Flood at University of Iceland

The University's Main Building.

The University's Main Building. mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon

Vala Hafstað

A water main break near the University of Iceland campus overnight has resulted in major flood damage in several buildings on campus, including the Main Building, mbl.is reports. There will be no operation in the affected buildings at least until noon today.

mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon


At present, water is being pumped out of the buildings, one of which, Lögberg, is without electricity. Firefighters form three fire stations have been pumping water out of the buildings since the leakage was discovered. The main that broke is on Suðurgata road, between the Main Building and the Háskólatorg building. The cause of the leakage is not known, but crews have lately been working on replacing old water pipes on Suðurgata.

Photo/Capital Area Fire Station


Kristinn Jóhannesson, technical project manager at the university, tells mbl.is the damage is enormous. Water flowed into basements and ground floors. “It ruined everything that is sensitive to water – including walls,” he states.

mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon


The main broke shortly before 1 am, sending 2,250 tons of cold water streaming out of control at the speed of 500 liters per second. It took 75 minutes to contain. The leakage was discovered at Veitur control center, when workers noted a major drop in water pressure west of Snorrabraut road.

mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon


This is one of the largest water leakages that capital area firefighters have encountered in recent years.

Some on-site instruction had resumed at the university after Christmas break, but this may result in an increased emphasis on online instruction.

mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon

mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon

mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon

Weather

Light snow

Today

-1 °C

Rain

Later today

2 °C

Overcast

Tomorrow

4 °C

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