Advisory report on resilient recovery framework: Grindavík

This report presents the findings of analysis and recommendations for resilient recovery planning in Grindavík, affected by multiple evacuations and ongoing volcanic and seismic activity. Since 2021, renewed activity across two interacting volcanic systems has resulted in repeated fissure eruptions, tectonic deformation, and persistent seismicity. Grindavík remains an area of considerable risk and uncertainty linked to volcanic and seismic activity. In the Reykjanes Peninsula context, continuous geophysical monitoring and updated hazard assessments are not only technical inputs to recovery planning but active drivers of decisions related to access, regeneration, hazard zoning, infrastructure operation, and public communication.

A central recommendation is that a resilient recovery framework should enable authorities and stakeholders to recover in a manner that is risk-informed, gradual, and inclusive and that contributes to public safety, trust, and social cohesion. The analysis identifies immediate policy priorities in the housing, insurance, and social policy sectors: policy actions should reflect a focus on risk analysis, communication, and preparedness; should embed flexibility; and should be aligned with a framework/roadmap that clearly articulates key principles, activities, and arrangements.