ICELAND – Iceland has declared a state of emergency following seismic activity, raising concerns of a volcanic eruption threatening residential areas.
Iceland evacuated all 4,000 residents of the south-western town of Grindavík after a 15km-long underground magma tunnel was detected close to the Fagradalsfjall volcano, increasing the likelihood of an imminent eruption.
The government held an emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday as the Reykjanes peninsula experienced thousands of earthquakes, impacting the area housing Iceland’s international airport and the closed Blue Lagoon tourist site.
Although Iceland, accustomed to volcanic activity, has faced recent eruptions, the evacuation marks a preventive measure in light of potential threats.