Residents in Flateyri and Bolungarvík face water supply disruptions due to mudslide contamination

Residents of Flateyri and Bolungarvík are facing water supply disruptions today due to contamination caused by mudslides that occurred overnight. The local authorities have initiated cleanup operations, during which water services in the affected areas will be halted. The duration of the cleanup is currently unknown, but residents will be informed when services can be restored.

In the meantime, a water tanker will be dispatched to Flateyri if the shutdown extends. Notifications have been sent to residents via a local messaging system, though only those with registered phone numbers and addresses will receive them. Those without such registrations are encouraged to sign up to receive updates.

Additionally, Bolungarvík’s drinking water has been compromised due to runoff from the mudslides. The town mayor, Jón Páll Hreinsson, has advised the public against consuming the water. Consequently, food production is halted at four companies in the area, impacting operations at local dairy, fish processing, and slaughterhouses. The municipal staff have been working diligently to clean filters and related systems but have faced challenges in restoring water quality. Hreinsson remains hopeful that normal water services will resume by tomorrow.

There are also reports of road closures in the region due to landslides, compounding the difficulties faced by local communities.