Can stay in Grindavík at their own risk
Grindavík. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson
The police chief in Suðurnes has decided to allow a limited group of people access to the town. The conditions there are described as dangerous and it is not recommended that residents stay in the town overnight.
Grindavík is closed to all but the emergency responders, the town's residents, employees of the town's businesses, and those who need to assist the residents. Media personnel have the right to enter the town in the same manner as residents and employees of companies.
Valid for a week or less
The arrangements took effect at 16 yesterday and are valid for a week or less as circumstances arise.
Because a volcanic eruption can occur with short notice, the police chief urges residents and employees to take responsibility for their actions or the lack thereof.
“The Police Commissioner makes it clear that Grindavík is not a place for residents with children or for children to play in. There are no schools and infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. The Police Commissioner does not recommend that people stay in the town,” the announcement reads.
Fissures can open without warning
Fissures are widespread in and around the town and can open up without notice. The risk of a landslide into a crater and earthquakes is estimated high. Countermeasures are and have been in place, which include mapping, surveying, seismographing, and visual inspection, but also fissures have been cordoned off.
Open areas in and around Grindavík have not been examined specifically, as stated in the announcement. People are therefore asked to stay on the streets of the town and avoid going out on the grounds and other open areas.
Very high risk of lava flow at the Blue Lagoon
The operational area of Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights, and HS energy is considered to be at high risk of lava flow, according to the Icelandic Met Office.
“For a time, access roads were congested when lava flowed over Grindavík road, blocking the way into the Blue Lagoon, Northern Light, and HS energy. A road was constructed over the new flowing lava and access through Grindavík road was reopened.”
