Icelandic Meteorological Office warns of increased landslide risk in East Fjords, Strandir, and South Iceland

The Icelandic Meteorological Office has issued a warning about an increased likelihood of landslides today in East Fjords, Strandir, and South Iceland. Widespread rainfall is expected throughout the country, moving northwest across the region.

Due to recent heavy rains, soil saturation is high, raising the risk of landslides, particularly in areas where significant rainfall has occurred. The forecast anticipates that rainfall will intensify in the afternoon, with heavy downpours predicted especially in Strandir and East Fjords. A meeting at 2:00 PM today will be held to review the situation.

In mountainous areas, rainfall can lead to rising water levels in rivers and streams, which increases the potential for debris flows. Additionally, saturated soil may trigger mudslides, and rockfalls can also happen as water loosens stones from cliffs and rock faces.

Many roads in the affected regions run beneath steep slopes, leaving them vulnerable to various types of landslides. The Meteorological Office advises travelers to exercise caution when moving in these areas, be vigilant, and avoid lingering in potential debris flow paths. It is important to remember that landslides can occur suddenly, even after heavy rainfall has diminished.

Residents are urged to report any landslides to the monitoring team at the Meteorological Office by calling 522 6000 or using their reporting form. This form is valid for avalanches and landslides. It is beneficial to provide a photo, exact location, and timestamp of the event when reporting.