Admirable unity

We in Iceland have always been intertwined with the forces of nature and rely on the grace and mercy of Mother Nature. These days, we are vividly reminded of that fact. On Monday evening, laws were passed in Parliament regarding the protection of critical infrastructure. With these, the minister is granted clear legal authority to make decisions about necessary actions in the interest of public safety aimed at preventing vital infrastructure and other public interests from suffering damage caused by natural disasters related to volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Currently, there are very special circumstances that require a swift and secure response. It is anticipated that the minister will be allowed to make decisions about specified actions and initiate them without other laws hindering such decision-making.

Caution must be exercised in the presence of the soul

In situations such as those that have arisen, decisions need to be made without hesitation and information to the community in Reykjanes must be clear and accessible. We must bear in mind in all discussions, whether involving government, media, or communications in other public forums, that caution must be exercised in the presence of the soul. Residents of Grindavík have had to experience living in constant fear of severe earthquakes, with the accompanying strain on mental well-being, and on top of that, having to leave their homes within 30 minutes in complete uncertainty about what the future holds. Responders in the area are also many residents of Grindavík, and the strain is very significant on them during these times. Being the first with the news does not equate to victory in all cases.

It is very important that the next steps taken are the right ones. We need to embrace the circumstances that have arisen on the Reykjanes Peninsula and we need to take good care of the people. At the same time, we must ensure transparency and that all information received by involved parties is clear, as no one benefits from concealing the actual situation.

An open embrace of the community

On this occasion, however, there is no other option but to praise the admirable work that has taken place in recent days and weeks among our responders. We have excellent professionals in all fields and have repeatedly witnessed them standing their ground under very challenging circumstances. We have seen in practice how vital it is that all emergency and response plans are clear, and all work done according to them has been exemplary.

It has also been admirable to see communities across the country open their arms to the residents of Grindavík, where everyone seems eager to contribute when assistance is needed. The power of community in times of danger and crises is strong. For that, we can only be grateful.

My thoughts are with the people of Grindavík and will remain there. At this moment, we are all Grindavík residents, and we will continue to activate the one true Icelandic solidarity.

Hafdís Hrönn Hafsteinsdóttir, Member of Parliament for the Progressive Party.

The article was first published in Morgunblaðið on 20 November 2023.