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Record-breaking rainfall in Iceland causes flooding and landslides, puts strain on drainage system

Sunday 14th 2024 on 18:40 in  
Iceland

A record-breaking rainfall of 227.1 millimeters was recorded in Grundarfjordur, Iceland from 9 am yesterday morning to 9 am today, making it the highest amount of rainfall measured in a single day in the town, and the highest nationwide for the month of July.

The extreme rainfall caused flooding in both Grundarfjordur and Bardastrand. Rivers in the vicinity swelled and overflowed, causing water to spread across the road on both sides of the town and flood fields. There was also a report of a landslide on Vestfjardaveg, north of Budardal, which was promptly cleared by road maintenance staff. A warning for increased water levels and landslide risk is still in effect.

Bjorg Agustsdottir, the mayor of Grundarfjordur, expressed her concerns about the condition of the national roads in Snaefellsnes, stating that they are not in good condition due to neglect, with broken edges that could lead to serious issues.

The heavy rainfall over a short period of time has also put a strain on the drainage system. There are instances where sewage water is coming up through the drains because the system cannot handle all the runoff. Natural solutions are being considered to solve the problem, such as planting high water-consuming plants to support the drainage system.

Despite the inclement weather, the town’s festival in Hellissandur was not cancelled. Organizers of the biennial Sandaragledi festival let the rain not stop them. Halldora Kristin Unnarsdottir stated that “The calm passes quickly but we don’t let it stop us. Even though it’s wet, we don’t let it stop us. We are just so full of joy and with sun in our hearts.”