The Icelandic Red Cross has responded to criticism over the distribution of disaster relief funding. The organisation has emphasised that support for Grindavík residents is being directed where people currently live, which is mostly outside the town itself.
As reported by local news agencies, the aid stems from a two-year grant of ISK 208 million from Rio Tinto’s disaster fund—the largest corporate donation ever given to the Icelandic Red Cross. The grant is designed to improve community resilience following volcanic eruptions over the last few years.
Programmes funded through the grant have included trauma education for families, summer camps, outdoor activities, and social gatherings. Vulnerable groups have also received guidance on trauma recovery and access to the Red Cross friendship programme.
Most residents live outside of Grindavík
However, one Grindavík resident expressed concern this week that the funding only supports activities outside the town itself. Aðalheiður Jónsdóttir, emergency response team leader at the Red Cross, confirmed this, telling local media that the organisation has prioritised reaching displaced residents where they have settled.
“The vast majority of Grindavík residents live outside the town. Children, youth and senior citizens are the groups that have been supported the most.”
“We were planning to have a meeting with the Grindavík municipal council at the beginning of the summer,” she added. “It was postponed until August due to scheduling issues, but we are still very much willing to meet and discuss continued support.”
