As I mentioned in the previous episode, residents of Grindavík have been evacuated. Scientists have been anticipating a potential eruption but no lava has come up to the surface as of right now. However, that doesn‘t mean damage has not been done.
The tens of thousands of earthquakes in Grindavik have resulted in major cracks in the earth opening up. There are literal holes in the streets where a whole car could fall in. Damage to buildings and parts of the town is extensive and it will take a lot of construction to restore the area. The restoration efforts can only happen once it is clear that an eruption will not happen and no one knows when that will be clear. Magma is still being detected close to under the surface beneath the town.
The Blue Lagoon Remains Closed
Due to the situation, the Blue Lagoon has announced it will remain closed until November 30th. There is no knowing if it will for sure open by November 30th but we shall see. One thing that is happening is the construction of lava barriers to around Svartstengi power station and the Blue Lagoon to protect them in the event of a volcanic eruption.
The barriers are estimated to be 20-26 feet high (6-8 meters) and will take a little over a month to complete. Protecting the power station is important because it provides hot water to all of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Over 2,000 Workers Impacted by the Evacuation
In addition to the thousands of people who can‘t access their homes, over 2,000 workers and around 200 companies operate in this area. They have no idea when they will be allowed to be back to work or even the area.
Retreiving Valuable Items & Rescuing Pets in Grindavik
Residents of Grindavik were allowed to access their homes to gather as much as they can within a 5-minute window. I know that sounds incredibly short. It is possible they had a little more time than that but is the time limit posted via news sources.
Residents had to leave their homes late at night and for many that meant they were forced to leave their pets behind. Dýrfinna, the search and rescue group for animals, has been working on rescuing pets left behind. As of right now, they rescued 100s of animals but 12 of them are still unaccounted for. Most of the unaccounted for animals are cats who are used to roaming aorund free outside.
Tax Hike to Fund Reconstruction
An excerpt from a news article on Iceland Reveiw about the Icelandic Government’s vote to fund the wall around the Blue Lagoon and power station.
The lava barriers will be financed by levying an additional tax on property owners in Iceland equivalent to 0.08% of their property’s fire insurance valuation (brunabótamat). The owner of a property worth ISK 100 million [$695,000, €650,000] will therefore pay an additional ISK 8,000 [$56, €52]. The tax will be levied for a period of three years, though it bears noting that similar taxes imposed in "Iceland have later become permanent. Pirate Party MP Þórhildur Sunna Ævarsdóttir and Centre Party Chairman Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson argued that any lava barriers constructed should be paid for with existing tax revenue. Some locals have argued that the privately-owned Svartsengi Power Plant and Blue Lagoon, which have made significant profits in recent years, should partake in financing the barriers."
Donate to Red Crosses Relief Efforts in Grindavik
Donate to the Icelandic Red Cross‘s emergency fundraising campaign to support the response to the current situation in Grindavik.
https://www.raudikrossinn.is/english/donate/donate-now/
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and others asking if we are ok. It is only the people in Grindavik that have been evacuated. The airport and all other parts of the Reykjanes Peninsula are operating as usual. Will let you know if that changes.
