Survey finds most see long-term living in Grindavik as realistic

About 60% of respondents consider it realistic for people to live in Grindavik over the long term, given the current situation, while just under 22% say it is unrealistic, mbl.is reports. The findings come from a survey commissioned by the Prime Minister’s Office and conducted by Maskína on Grindavik residents’ circumstances and outlook.

The survey, carried out in the first half of October, was sent to people who lived in Grindavik when the town was evacuated in November 2023. Nearly 1,200 people aged 18 or older responded, representing a participation rate of just over 42%.

Nearly 48% said they had a high level of trust in the findings of the revised risk assessment. Just under 36% said they had neither high nor low trust, and just over 16% reported low trust. Nearly 44% said the revised assessment made them more positive about living in Grindavik, while just under 10% said it made them more negative.

Just over 15% of respondents currently live in Grindavik, and nearly 29% said they were likely to live there in a year. Safety and housing conditions were the factors with the greatest influence on people’s views about living in the town. Nearly 60% said they had adapted well to the community where they now live, while just over 14% said they had adapted poorly.

Nearly half of respondents said their mental health was worse than before the evacuation, and nearly 42% said their physical health was worse. Nearly 19% reported better mental health, while just under 18% said their physical health had improved.

A statement from the Government Offices of Iceland said focused steps were now being taken to rebuild Grindavik, and that it was important to understand residents’ views on key issues.