Grindavík approves vehicle for schoolchildren during evacuations

Grindavík town council has approved spending about 6.9 million Icelandic krónur on a vehicle to transport schoolchildren if an evacuation is ordered in the town, mbl.is reports.

Mayor Pétur Georg Markan said the vehicle will be one of two kept ready near the school at all times. Schooling will continue in Grindavík this winter, with 30 children attending the preschool and primary school, initially at the same location.

The vehicle is a Volkswagen Multivan Caravan. The two vehicles stationed near the school can carry eight to nine people each.

“The vehicles will be ready when the primary school’s evacuation plan needs to be activated,” Pétur Georg said.

He said the vehicles would remain on standby so the children could be transported immediately if necessary.

“We make no concessions when it comes to children and teenagers. We want to be able to take the children away immediately if the situation requires it,” he said.

Pétur Georg said the purchase was part of efforts to restart life in the town, with safety given the highest priority.