LONDON (AP) — Residents of a fishing town in southwestern Iceland left their homes Saturday after increasing concern about a potential volcanic eruption caused civil defense authorities to declare a state of emergency in the region.
The town of 3,400 is on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of the capital, Reykjavik.
Authorities also raised their aviation alert to orange, indicating an increased risk of a volcanic eruption.
Concern about a possible eruption increased in the early hours of Thursday when a magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit the area, forcing the internationally known Blue Lagoon geothermal resort to close temporarily.
The magma corridor is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long and spreading, he said.
Persons:
Grindavik, Pall Einarrson, Iceland’s RUV, “, ”
Organizations:
—, . Police, Iceland’s, “, Meteorological Office, Authorities
Locations:
Iceland, Reykjavik, Europe, North America, Grindavik, Grindavík