Volcanic eruption near Sundhnúksgígar threatens hot water supply in Suðurnes region

A volcanic eruption near Sundhnúksgígar poses a significant threat to critical infrastructure providing hot water to residents and businesses in the Suðurnes region. Lava flow has approached vital facilities within the protective barriers at Svartsengi, leading HS Veitur to advise local customers to prepare for potential service disruptions. Residents are encouraged to conserve hot water and maintain indoor warmth.

Currently, there are no immediate dangers reported at the Svartsengi power plant, as the production of hot water remains consistent. However, electricity generation is temporarily impacted due to the Svartsengislína power line going offline after lava flow disrupted it. The ongoing situation is delicate, with lava nearing the protective structures around essential pipelines.

Firefighters are actively preparing to mitigate the impact of the lava flow, focusing on protecting infrastructure at both Svartsengi and the Blue Lagoon. The lava’s advancement has reached critical points on certain sections of the barriers.

Officials emphasize the importance of community cooperation during this challenging time. Authorities have been coordinating with energy companies and law enforcement to ensure a timely and effective response to any emergency that may arise. Residents are advised to stay informed through local resources regarding any potential service disruptions.

As emergency preparations develop, HS Orka has assured that the flow of hot water remains unaffected for the time being, with continuous monitoring in place. In light of the volcanic activity, efforts are underway to establish new pipelines to secure water access for ongoing operations.