Farmer reports unprecedented flooding near Skálm River in Álftaver

A farmer in Herjólfsstöðum, located near the Skálm River in Álftaver, has reported unprecedented flooding in the area. He claims to have never witnessed anything like it before.

The Ring Road has been closed from Vík í Mýrdal to Kirkjubæjarklaustri due to a glacial flood. Water began spilling over the Skálmar Bridge around midday, causing partial damage to the roadway. The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management has declared a state of uncertainty in coordination with the police in South Iceland.

Johannes Gissurarson, the farmer and local leader, noted that while summer glacial floods from Mýrdalsjökull are common, this event is among the largest he has ever seen. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. Glacial rivers typically rise during the summer, and there have been minor floods from geothermal water over the years. However, this is far beyond what we’ve experienced in recent years,” he stated.

As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the landscape following the flooding’s impact, with concerns that the Skálmar Bridge may not withstand the pressure of the ongoing glacial surge. Emergency services remain vigilant as they assess the evolving risk in the affected regions.