Flooding forces residents to relocate in Húsavík, Iceland

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in Húsavík, Iceland, overnight, leading to water and mud entering homes. Excavators were deployed to create channels to redirect the water away from buildings. Residents of three houses decided to temporarily relocate while the situation stabilized.

Water accumulated in the hillside above Skálabrekka, prompting local authorities to dig out a path to help channel the water onto the road. A potential landslide risk remains in parts of the North West Fjords, even as the intensity of rainfall has decreased. Roads leading to Siglufjörður were closed due to landslides.

During a routine patrol, police noticed water flowing down Húsavíkurfjall and across the street. They mobilized rescue teams to assess the situation. After midnight, the flooding intensified, leading to concerns about the stability of the hillside. Emergency services worked until the early hours to manage the flow of water, deepening the water channel to alleviate the pressure on properties.

While there was a discussion about evacuating homes, the residents ultimately chose to stay elsewhere overnight and monitor the situation. As the night progressed, the conditions appeared to stabilize. Flooding had affected one house, but mitigation efforts were effective in reducing water ingress.

There remains a warning for potential landslides in various hillsides, according to the meteorological authorities. Both the public and emergency services are on alert, especially around regions experiencing elevated risks, including Siglufjörður, where mudslides have impacted travel routes. Regular status meetings for emergency management are ongoing to address these developments.