Landowners at Reynisfjara black sand beach in southern Iceland activated a special safety response plan today, after a storm brought high waves and hazardous conditions to the area. The Icelandic news site mbl.is first reported the implementation of the plan, which is triggered when wave heights pose a risk of flooding in the eastern part of the beach.
The response plan is intended to protect visitors by limiting access under difficult weather or surf conditions. As part of these measures, landowners installed closure posts at the site. According to the Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV, these steps were taken after waves grew especially dangerous around midday.
Despite the warnings and safety measures, several visitors were struck by a large surf wave, known locally as a brimskafl. RÚV reports that no injuries occurred in the incidents. However, it remains unclear exactly how many visitors were affected or whether the reports from different outlets describe the same event. There are also no details yet about any formal intervention by emergency services.
Earlier today, a video captured by Heiðrún Hauksdóttir (known as Heidrunguide) appears to show a large wave hitting four tourists on the shore, including two children, according to Vísir. The footage highlights the unpredictable nature of Reynisfjara’s surf, which is known for its powerful and sometimes dangerous waves.
Sources
- mbl.is (first reported) in Icelandic
- RÚV in Icelandic
- Vísir in Icelandic
