Demolition Begins on Earthquake-Damaged Homes in Grindavík

2026-03-10 - 12:46

Demolition work has begun on several homes in Grindavík that were declared unsafe following the earthquakes that struck the town in recent months. As reported by RÚV, contractors started removing three residential buildings on Mánagata and Mánagerði earlier today. The structures are among a number of properties judged unusable after repeated seismic activity in the area. What's the Story? Demolition of earthquake-damaged homes in Grindavík after buildings declared unusable At least 40 residential buildings approved for demolition; initial work started on three homes at Mánagata and Mánagerði Demolition carried out by Jóns og Margeirs, with additional buildings approved on Austurvegur and an industrial property elsewhere in the town Grindavík. Photo: Art Bicnick. Iceland Review. Town recovery work Municipal authorities have authorised the demolition of at least 40 residential buildings across the town. Earlier in the process, a nursing home and a greenhouse were also dismantled due to damage. The work forms part of broader recovery efforts in Grindavík following a series of earthquakes linked to volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, previously covered by Iceland Review. The demolition is being carried out by Jóns og Margeir. Its managing director, Jón Gunnar Margeirsson, said work has continued despite difficult weather conditions and strict safety procedures. Grindavík. Photo: Art Bicnick. Iceland Review. “We’re in a completely safe area here,” he says. “But we’re not allowed to leave the machines at all, and this is all done by machines,” says Jón Gunnar. Permission has also been granted to demolish two buildings on Austurvegur and an industrial property elsewhere in the town. Jón Gunnar said the work is part of the town’s rebuilding process. “Although it’s sad to have to demolish this, it’s part of the town’s development,” he says. “We don’t start development except by demolishing and repairing cracks to make the town safe, and that’s what we want.”