Foreign residents’ awareness and response to volcanic risks from Katla volcano: Insights from Vík in Mýrdal, South Iceland

Natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are among the many risks that people in Iceland must cope with, but for many residents of foreign origin these hazards are unfamiliar. Katla, located in southern Iceland, is one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the country. In the vicinity lies the village of Vík in Mýrdal, which has changed significantly in recent years and where the majority of residents today are of foreign origin. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the knowledge of foreign residents in Vík about Katla and Katla-related hazards, and to analyse their awareness of preparedness and response measures in the event of a Katla eruption. This study also explored the perspectives of key informants who have been involved in organising emergency response procedures in Vík in relation to a potential Katla eruption. The results indicate that public access to official risk information about Katla, including preparedness and response measures, needs to be enhanced. Such information must also be made accessible to residents who are not proficient in Icelandic by providing it in additional languages, such as English and Polish, since most people understand them. Similarly, there is a need to strengthen risk communication between residents of foreign origin, local Icelandic residents, and emergency managers, as increased participation of all community groups in the development of emergency response plans enhances community resilience.