Power outage in Mýrdal leaves residents without phone service as local mayor calls situation unacceptable

A significant power outage occurred in Mýrdal last night, leaving residents without phone service for an extended period. The local mayor has stated that the situation is unacceptable as it compromises the safety net for the community. Power was restored in Vík using backup supplies, but residents are urged to conserve electricity in the coming days.

The outage originated from a problem with a cable in Jökulsá on Sólheimasandur, which presents challenges for repair efforts. Einar Freyr Elínarson, the mayor, emphasized the extensive impacts of the outage and described the situation as intolerable, highlighting that it is extraordinary in 2024 to be facing such issues. Given the area’s vulnerability to natural disasters, Einar has called for an evaluation of the community’s infrastructure safety.

He noted that Mýrdalshreppur has lagged in infrastructure development, despite the population doubling over the last decade and the presence of a robust tourism industry. There are significant development projects underway, and it is essential that government actions ensure infrastructure security aligns with this growth. Einar underscored the importance of reliable communication for both residents and visitors, especially due to the area’s proximity to Katla volcano.

The persistent nature of these outages has led to substantial financial losses for local businesses and poses a threat to the safety of both residents and tourists. Einar expressed frustration that such issues could be addressed.