Repeated warnings about the danger ignored

The municipal council of Mýrdalshreppur has repeatedly pointed out the need for stronger sea defenses in the area where heavy surf has caused damage near Vík í Mýrdal. The Icelandic Road Administration ( Vegagerðin ) has, however, seen no reason to act. If nothing changes, coastal erosion will continue and eventually cut through Route 1.

This was stated by Einar Freyr Elínarson, mayor of Mýrdalshreppur, in an interview with mbl.is .

“It is strange to watch buildings being carried out to sea. But this is not unexpected. It has long been clear that this was imminent. We have for years urged Vegagerðin to build stronger sea defenses in this area. They have concluded there was no particular need,” Elínarson said.

Two more sheep barns likely to be lost

He added that the municipality also appealed to the Ministry of Infrastructure, asking the minister to intervene. A proposal was made to purchase the buildings in the area to make way for sea defenses, but the ministry rejected it.

“Now we are in this situation: one building has been swept out to sea, and two more will likely follow if nothing is done,” Elínarson said, describing the situation as dire.

He also noted that the matter has been reported to the Environment and Energy Agency, since allowing sheep barns to float out to sea could conflict with laws on preventing pollution of the ocean and coasts.

No obstacles to protective measures

Einar said he has spoken with local landowners who own land containing a rock quarry.

“These landowners will not object to material being taken from there, so there is nothing preventing protective measures. The only thing missing has been the will of Vegagerðin ,” he said.

Open path for the sea to Route 1

A seawall in the area broke earlier today. According to Einar, the municipality has always believed that stronger defenses were needed and that the wall would not solve the problem. This has now been proven, as the wall is gone—along with the building it was meant to protect.

“But this is not only about the buildings at risk; it’s about the fact that the sea now has a clear path to Route 1. Unless something is done, erosion will continue and cut through the highway. We find it baffling that Vegagerðin does not see the need to respond. It has been shown that erosion can happen very quickly, so every week and month that passes without action means more and more land is lost,” Einar said.

“Sad”

He said he informed Vegagerðin of the situation this morning, and its staff are now on site taking photos. He also reminded them that rock material could be sourced from the local quarry.

“So now the ball is really in their court. But it is very sad that nothing is being done, and that people are left to watch buildings being washed out to sea. We find that very strange. In numerous letters, we have pointed out this danger, and we feel the responses have been dismissive.”