Officials in Mýrdalshreppur raise concerns over glacial flood response after recent incident near Skálm River

Officials in Mýrdalshreppur have expressed concerns about the lack of coordination and warnings related to a glacial flood that occurred last weekend. Einar Freyr Elínarson, the local mayor, highlighted that residents received their information about the flooding from the media, as he was in Reykjavík and only learned about the flood through a phone call from an acquaintance.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office had not issued significant alerts, which could have raised public awareness about the potential flooding in the Skálm River. Einar noted that this incident was the fourth largest flood since the Katla volcanic eruption in 1918, occurring near a national road without prior warning. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that it was alarming to have such an event happen unexpectedly and close to populated areas.

He indicated that residents are generally aware of the natural hazards in the region but recognized that improvements are needed in the emergency response plans. The existing plans, though updated only five years ago, are now outdated due to the increase in tourism and local population in high-risk areas.

Einar Freyr expressed frustration over the slow pace of updating the emergency response strategies, stating it is essential, especially with more thousands of tourists and new residents now in the region. He has been advocating for these updates to ensure better preparedness against future natural disasters.