Iceland is one of the world's most geologically active countries, largely shaped by volcanic activity and earthquakes. After nearly 780 years of dormancy, volcanic activity returned to the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2021, marking the beginning of a new eruptive cycle.

Since then, 12 eruptions have occurred, most of them near the town of Grindavík and the Svartsengi geothermal area, culminating in the evacuation of Grindavík in late 2023. Three years later, only about 10% of the town's former 3,800 residents have returned.

This keynote tells the story of an unprecedented effort to protect a community and maintain critical infrastructure under rapidly changing and hazardous conditions. More than 12 km of lava-deflection barriers, containing around 3 million m³ of fill, were constructed. Since November 2023, lava flows from nine eruptions have been successfully diverted away from critical infrastructure. At the same time, roads, pipelines, and power lines have repeatedly been rebuilt across newly formed lava fields, often within days of an eruption.

Beyond the engineering achievements, the presentation explores the human dimension of the crisis: the evacuation of an entire town, the uncertainties faced by residents, and the challenge of balancing public safety, livelihoods, and long-term recovery. Although the volcanic episode appears to be entering its final stages as of September 2026. The future of Grindavík is still uncertain, offering important lessons on resilience, risk management, and living with volcanic hazards.