Iceland declares state of emergency over volcanic eruption threat

Powerful earthquakes rock country's southwestern Reykjanes peninsula, increasing likelihood of event

Icelandic authorities have declared a state of emergency after a series of powerful earthquakes rocked the country's southwestern Reykjanes peninsula, signalling the increased likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the region.

The National police chief ... declares a state of emergency for civil defence due to the intense earthquake (activity) at Sundhnjukagigar, north of Grindavik," the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management said in a statement.