Elevation of defensive barriers awaiting ministerial approval

Plans to raise the defensive barriers around Grindavík are part of the emergency response strategy following the volcanic eruption that broke out on the town’s outskirts in April this year.

The fissure that opened at that time extended beneath the northern defensive walls, and lava flowed up against them.

“We need to raise the barrier by two meters where the lava reached it in order to restore its effective height,” says Ari Guðmundsson of engineering firm Verkís.

“In that sense, it’s a minor construction project, but we’re currently waiting for authorization from the Minister of Justice,” Guðmundsson adds.