Crisis level alert in the Westman Islands
The Westman Islands. mbl.is/Sigurður Bogi
The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, in agreement with the Commissioner of the Westman Islands Police, has decided to declare a crisis level in the Westman Islands due to damage to the drinking water pipeline leading to the Westman Islands.
There is a real risk that the drinking water supply will be completely interrupted.
This is what the Civil Protection Department has announced.
It is known that the extent of damage to the water pipleline is severe. The damage covers a section of about 300 meters of the pipeline.
The protective sheeth covering the waterpipe has been damaged so the pipe is now unprotected in the sea and subject to further damage. mbl.is/Óskar Pétur
Has moved significantly
The announcement states that the underwater photographs show that the pipeline has significantly shifted. This situation makes it difficult to repair it. The only permanent solution is a new pipeline.
“It is important to assess the consequences of a limited flow of water or a complete disruption of operations and inhabitants in the Westman Islands and to initiate counter-measures to prevent a state of emergency,” the announcement states.
Not needed to save water in this time
The Department of Civil Protection will, in collaboration with the Commissioner of the Westman Islands Police, the Westman Islands town, HS water providers, emergency responders and other stakeholders, work in the coming days on proposals and implementations. The aim of this work is to ensure the safety and well-being of the Westman Islanders.
The pipeline is still usable and fully serves the water needs of the Westman Islands. Therefore, there is no need to save or collect water at this time.
