Iceland Evacuates Town, Raises Aviation Alert, Due to Threat of Volcano Eruption

November 11th, 9:14 AM EST

Updated:

November 11th, 9:15 AM EST

Lava flowing from Fagradalsfjall volcano system in Iceland, July 2023.

MGN via Almannavarnadeild ríkislögreglustjóra (Public Safety Department of the National Police)

LONDON (NEWSnet/AP) — Residents of Grindavik, a fishing town in Iceland, left their homes Saturday after increasing concern about a potential volcano eruption.

Civil defense authorities declared a state of emergency in the region.

Police decided to evacuate after recent seismic activity moved south toward the town and monitoring indicated a corridor of magma extends under the community, Icelandic Meteorological Office said.

The town of 3,400 is on Reykjanes Peninsula, about 30 miles southwest o Reykjavik.

Authorities also raised the aviation alert to orange, indicating an increased risk of a volcanic eruption.

Eruption poses a hazard to aviation because a volcano can spew abrasive ash into the atmosphere and cause jet engines to fail, damage flight control systems and reduce visibility.

The region has been shaken by hundreds of small earthquakes eachday for more than two weeks. Scientists are monitoring a buildup of magma 3 miles underground.

Concern about a possible eruption increased early Thursday when a magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit the area, forcing the Blue Lagoon geothermal resort to close temporarily.