Heavy rainfall causes landslide risks in western Iceland

Heavy Rainfall Causes Landslide Risks

Significant accumulated rainfall in western Iceland has led to an increased risk of floods and landslides in the region, prompting yellow weather warnings in six areas. Warnings are in effect for the southeast, southern coast, Faxaflói, Breiðafjörður, the Westfjords, and the Highlands, where heightened runoff and rising water levels in rivers and streams are anticipated.

The heavy rainfall throughout the summer has resulted in saturated soil conditions, making certain areas, particularly in Western Iceland and the Westfjords, more susceptible to additional precipitation.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office received reports just before midnight last night that three landslides had occurred on Barðaströnd in the Westfjords. It has since been confirmed by a landslide expert that these slides were not recent events. Kristin Hauksdóttir, a farmer in Innri-Múla, where one of the landslides occurred, stated that residents at the farm learned of the incidents this morning. She noted that a landslide had actually taken place above the farm on July 14 but did not cause any damage.

No further notifications regarding landslides have been received by the Meteorological Office.