In a recent development concerning flood barriers in Iceland, Daði Már Kristófersson, the Minister of Finance, announced the withdrawal of his request for court-appointed appraisers. This decision comes amidst an ongoing evaluation by Náttúruhamfaratrygging Íslands (Natural Disaster Insurance of Iceland), which has offered to conduct an expert review on the effectiveness of the barriers located in Grindavík and Svartsengi. This evaluation is anticipated to help ascertain the benefits these barriers provide in safeguarding against hazards and the extent to which they reduce damage costs in similar natural disasters.

The announcement stressed the importance of utilizing local experts as well as international geoscientific specialists with experience in risk assessment from global reinsurance markets. The Ministry of Finance expressed confidence that the work of these experts would yield significant benefits for disaster preparedness and mitigation in Iceland. The funding for the construction and design of these barriers was provided by the Icelandic state, highlighting the government's investment in measures aimed at protecting local communities from natural disasters.

This shift in approach signifies a proactive stance by the Icelandic government to rely on specialized knowledge rather than court interventions to assess the critical infrastructure designed to shield vulnerable areas from potential flooding. It showcases an effort to ensure that the evaluations conducted are comprehensive and grounded in expertise relevant to Iceland's unique geological challenges.