átröskun

Átröskun, also known as "the great flood," is a significant event in Icelandic history, occurring in 1783-1784. It was a catastrophic flood that affected the southern and eastern parts of Iceland, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The flood was triggered by a combination of heavy rainfall, glacial melting, and a sudden release of water from glacial lakes, which overwhelmed the natural drainage systems.

The floodwaters reached heights of up to 15 meters in some areas, submerging vast tracts of land and destroying numerous farms, buildings, and infrastructure. The most affected regions were the southern and eastern parts of the country, including the areas around the rivers Hvítá, Jökulsá á Fjöllum, and Markarfljót. The flood also caused significant damage to the fishing industry, as many fishing villages were submerged or severely damaged.

The impact of átröskun was profound and long-lasting. Many people lost their homes and livelihoods, and the economic recovery of the affected regions took decades. The event also had cultural and historical significance, as it was one of the most devastating natural disasters in Iceland's history. Today, the legacy of átröskun is remembered through various historical accounts, memorials, and ongoing efforts to preserve and restore the affected areas.