Evacuations in Neskaupstaður and Seyðisfjörður
A civil protection uncertainty level has been declared due to avalanche danger in Seyðisfjörður and Neskaupstaður. Photo/Landsbjörg
The Icelandic Meteorological Office has declared an uncertainty level in the East Fjords due to the risk of avalanches, which took effect at noon. From 6 pm today, evacuations will then take effect in residential areas and commercial buildings in Neskaupstaður and Seyðisfjörður.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office forecasts a northeasterly gale in the East Fjords with heavy snowfall tonight and tomorrow. The accumulated amount can be close to 300 mm in the mountains, and avalanches will occur. Thus, several meters of snow can be added to the mountains.
“A few avalanches fell in the East Fjords yesterday and observations by snow monitors indicate that the stability of the existing snow cover is not high. Avalanche risk is expected to increase considerably as the weather progresses and it has been decided to evacuate several areas in Seyðisfjörður and Neskaupstaður, both commercial areas and residential buildings, from 6 p.m.,” the announcement further states.
Orange warning for East Iceland
The weather is expected to subside late Tuesday night. The Icelandic Meteorological Office’s avalanche watch is closely monitoring the situation and further evacuations will be taken if necessary.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office has issued an orange warning for East Iceland and the East Fjords this afternoon due to strong winds and heavy snowfall.
Mass aid stations opened
A mass aid station was opened in Egilsbúð in Neskaupstaður at 1 p.m. today and in Herðubreið in Seyðisfjörður at the same time.
An announcement from the police in East Iceland says that evacuations have been ordered in the following areas:
Neskaupstaður:
Area NE01 at Norðfjarðarvegur Road (Business area)
Area NE02 at Norðfjarðarveg and Nausthvammur Roads (Business area)
Area NE18 (Residential area with 37 apartments/homes)
Evacuation areas can be viewed on the Fjarðabyggð website, by opening "planning" and then "evacuation areas".
Seyðisfjörður:
Sites SE01 and SE02 at Strandarvegur Road (Business Area)
Sites SE24 and SE26 at Ránargata Road (Business Area)
Evacuation areas can be viewed on the Múlaþing website, by opening "planning" and then "evacuation areas".
Rescue teams will enter houses in evacuation areas and instruct residents regarding evacuation.