Local authorities predicted a significant likelihood that a volcanic eruption would occur in southwestern Iceland after frequent seismic activity was detected. In anticipation of a catastrophic event, Grindavik—a fishing town home to 3,400—was evacuated. Displaced families were only permitted to return home for minutes to retrieve valuables and there’s no anticipated date when it will be safe to return.
From late October to early December, tens of thousands of earthquakes were reported in the region and experts believe that an eruption is likely to occur just north of Grindavik. The temblors and magma flowing under the earth have thrust the ground up by several feet in some areas.
WCK’s Relief Team first reached the region to provide immediate support to families evacuating. Working alongside Chef Jóhann Issi Hallgrímsson of Issi Fish & Chips, WCK provided nourishing meals to impacted people. We also established partnerships across the region to ensure WCK-provided meals reach anyone in need after the expected eruption. These plans remain in place, ready to be put into action the moment aid is needed in the area.
By the numbers
Meals
Served to evacuees and volunteer emergency workers
On the ground in Iceland
Issi Fish & Chips
Chef Issi grew up near Grindavik and now runs Issi Fish & Chips alongside his wife Hjördís. The couple pride themselves on using the freshest possible ingredients and source their fish locally in Grindavik. Issi and Hjördís quickly jumped to action to help feed their neighbors who were forced to evacuate the region as well as volunteer emergency crews working to support the community. Our team was connected to Chef Issi by WCK Chef Corps member Völundur Völundarson.
