Residents of Grindavík can be home on Christmas
Þorbjörg Halldórsdóttir and her grandchild, Tinna Dögg Siggeirsdóttir, visited a grave of a loved one in Grindavík yesterday. Now hey can stay at home in their town over Christmas. mbl.is/Eyþór Árnason
The residents of Grindavík will be allowed to stay in town from tomorrow afternoon without any restrictions. This was reported by the Chief of Police in Suðurnes.
It is noted that the experts of the Met Office met at 9.30 this morning, where the latest data was reviewed. Afterwards, representatives of the Met Office met at 13 with the police chief and the Civil Protection Department.
Not without risk
It is also repeated that according to the new hazard assessment map from the Met Office, there is still a considerable risk of natural disasters in Grindavík.
There will be few rescue teams and no rescue squad.
It is especially stressed that an eruption may begin in Grindavík or the nearest areas with short notice.
“If an eruption starts in Grindavík, there will be little rescue. The safety of the responders must be considered before rescuing others,” the announcement states.
Then furthermore, the response of the rescue teams will be reduced. There will be no rescue team on call in Grindavík. The members of the rescue team in Grindavík will be celebrating Christmas around the country and not present in town.
In case of emergency people are asked to call 112 for assistance.
Possible escape routes
If an eruption starts in or near Grindavík, a text message will be sent by phone to the area with the following text:
“RÝMING, RÝMING... EVACUATE! Leave the area quickly and safely, call 112 if you need assistance.”
Police will patrol Grindavík and the surrounding area as if they have been doing.
Possible escape routes will be Nesvegur road, Suðurstrandarvegur road and Grindavíkurvegur road.
Still closing-signs
It is pointed out that there will be closing-signs on Grindavíkurvegur road, Nesvegur road and Suðurstrandarvegur road until at least the second day of Christmas.
Grindavík residents, owners of businesses and their employees have the right to enter in spite of the closing-signs.
