Residents in Neskaupstaður to face explosions as avalanche protection works commence in Iceland

Residents of Neskaupstaður will experience regular explosions in the coming months as the final phase of avalanche protection works begins. Houses in the area are being monitored with seismographs to ensure they remain undamaged during the operations.

The project involves blasting up to 60 holes filled with explosives, which are connected by detonation wires. Heavy snowfall protection structures have already been built above the town, and work has been expedited following avalanches that struck homes in March of last year. Contractors from Héraðsverk are currently preparing for explosions above Drangagilsgarð to clear material for the project. Each hole is cleaned using suction before explosives are placed, a task carried out by a qualified blast supervisor to ensure maximum safety.

The explosives used include dynamite and ammonium nitrate, with about fifteen kilograms of explosive material per six-meter hole. The blasts are designed to occur sequentially, resulting in minimal disturbance. Sand is packed above the explosives, but if insufficient, they may create rocks that can be launched into the air.

During these operations, significant noise will be generated, and safety protocols require people to maintain a safe distance. The team has installed sensors to monitor vibrations in nearby buildings and ensures compliance with safety limits.

The overall project budget is estimated at 3.2 billion Icelandic krónas, with the protective barriers stretching over 800 meters. The initial cones will be placed above Starmýri, where the recent avalanches occurred. While these cones will start functioning immediately, full operational capacity is expected upon the project’s completion in 2029.