Uncertainty Phase of Civil Defense due to the earthquake on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Uncertainty Phase of Civil Defense due to the earthquake on the Reykjanes Peninsula

The National Police Commissioner, in consultation with the Suðurnes police authorities, have declared a Civil Protection Service Level of Uncertainty due to the earthquake on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The series of earthquakes began in the evening of July4th and are ongoing.

Residents in the southwestern part of the country are encouraged to pay attention to loose objects

Residents in the southwestern part of the country are encouraged to pay attention to loose objects and objects inside the home that could tumble or shift during an earthquake, and show particular care with regard to loose objects that could drop onto people while they are sleeping. The Icelandic Meteorological Office would also like to drawn attention to the fact that the earthquakes could trigger falling rocks and rockslides in steep terrains, so people should be mindful in the vicinity of steep slopes.

Level of Uncertainty

When a Level of Uncertainty is declared by the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, it means that response teams will monitor the situation more closely, with regard to anything that may threaten the health or safety of the population, the environment, or inhabitated areas. Declaring a Level of Uncertainty is part of the procedures employed by the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management to ensure a formal line of communication and a clear dissemination of information between teams of responders. During a Level of Uncertainty, responders and institutions will review their response plans and level of preparedness.

Prevention and preparedness

• More information on Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management webpage
• There is seldom advance warning of an earthquake. Therefore, it is important to take safety measures ahead of time and to learn how to respond.  Earthquakes – Duck-Cover-Hold