Residents in Fjallabyggð recover from severe water damage following storm in Siglufjörður

In Fjallabyggð, the aftermath of heavy rainfall has left residents grappling with water damage. Evaluation of the damage in Siglufjörður continues following the torrential downpour over the weekend, which caused a malfunction in the town’s drainage system, leading to water flooding into numerous homes. The town mayor expressed skepticism that any conventional drainage systems could handle such extreme precipitation.

The local fire department and rescue teams responded to 25 houses, assisting residents in pumping water and clearing debris. Over 100 volunteers participated in the rescue efforts during the peak of the crisis. Evidence of landslides can be seen on the hills above Siglufjörður, emphasizing the storm’s destructive impact.

Sigríður Ingvarsdóttir, the town’s mayor, noted that insurance companies are currently assessing the damage, and efforts are being made to gather information about the extent of the losses. A town council meeting was convened specifically to address the situation and strategize improvements for future preparedness.

Significant upgrades to the drainage system have been implemented in recent years, including powerful pumps intended to expel water efficiently. However, the mayor acknowledged the recent storm delivered an unprecedented rainfall of 220 to 230 millimeters, challenging the capacity of the system.

The Siglufjörður Maritime Museum has suffered considerable damage, with water reaching levels of up to 90 centimeters inside three buildings. The museum, situated beneath steep banks, is at risk of further damage as the soil has started to give way, posing a threat to its integrity.

Local authorities continue to explore additional measures to prevent future incidents, while community members await further action from the municipality. The consistent threat of such flooding underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the area despite recent improvements.