Search and Rescue units in South Iceland are at their breaking point, says the head of the Suðurland Police Department. Understaffed police, frequent winter storms and a record number of tourists visiting Iceland this winter are to blame.
Sveinn Kristján Rúnarsson, head of the Police Department in South Iceland, told the hosts of radio show Reykjavík síðdegis that rescue teams seem to have become support units for the local police force.
“The situation is worrying. Members of South Iceland’s rescue teams are exhausted after countless emergency calls. They’re at their breaking point.”
Read more: 70 search and rescue unit members searched for lost travellers during yesterday's storm
He pointed out that police departments were understaffed and had not grown in accordance to the growing numbers of tourists visiting the country.
“I have ten officers on duty each day, no matter the season, and our district stretches over 24,000 square kilometres (9266 sq. miles). We are unable to patrol the area with ten men and are often forced to seek assistance from local rescue teams. These teams are made up of volunteers who will have to leave their jobs and families in order to help.”
Read more:People tend to 'underestimate' Mt. Esja
The Suðurland Police Department’s district includes tourist hotspots such as the Golden Circle, Vík in Mýrdalur, Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Sólheimajökull glacier, Reynisfjara, Skaftafell National Park and Landmannalaugar.
Sveinn Kristján calls for stricter regulations regarding travel in Iceland and hopes it becomes obligatory for hikers to leave a detailed travel plan before heading into the highlands.
“Today, there’s nothing stopping you from hiking the Laugavegur trail, if that’s what you want to do, and you’re not required to let anyone know about your travels. Then, should you find yourself to be exhausted or in trouble, you just call for assistance and we’ll be there. Regulations need to be stricter.”
Search and Rescue units in South Iceland are at their breaking point, says the head of the Suðurland Police Department. Understaffed police, frequent winter storms and a record number of tourists visiting Iceland this winter are to blame.
Sveinn Kristján Rúnarsson, head of the Police Department in South Iceland, told the hosts of radio show Reykjavík síðdegis that rescue teams seem to have become support units for the local police force.
“The situation is worrying. Members of South Iceland’s rescue teams are exhausted after countless emergency calls. They’re at their breaking point.”
Read more: 70 search and rescue unit members searched for lost travellers during yesterday's storm
He pointed out that police departments were understaffed and had not grown in accordance to the growing numbers of tourists visiting the country.
“I have ten officers on duty each day, no matter the season, and our district stretches over 24,000 square kilometres (9266 sq. miles). We are unable to patrol the area with ten men and are often forced to seek assistance from local rescue teams. These teams are made up of volunteers who will have to leave their jobs and families in order to help.”
Read more:People tend to 'underestimate' Mt. Esja
The Suðurland Police Department’s district includes tourist hotspots such as the Golden Circle, Vík in Mýrdalur, Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Sólheimajökull glacier, Reynisfjara, Skaftafell National Park and Landmannalaugar.
Sveinn Kristján calls for stricter regulations regarding travel in Iceland and hopes it becomes obligatory for hikers to leave a detailed travel plan before heading into the highlands.
“Today, there’s nothing stopping you from hiking the Laugavegur trail, if that’s what you want to do, and you’re not required to let anyone know about your travels. Then, should you find yourself to be exhausted or in trouble, you just call for assistance and we’ll be there. Regulations need to be stricter.”
