Iceland Clears Town Near Blue Lagoon on Volcanic Eruption Risk

  • Magma intrusion extends under Grindavik, 25 miles from capital
  • Explosive eruption can’t be ruled out, volcanologist warns
The town of Grindavik in 2021.Photographer: Halldor Kolbeins/AFP/Getty Images
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Iceland declared a state of emergency and police have evacuated a town about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of the country’s capital over the looming danger of a volcanic eruption.

Authorities have been on alert after weeks of tremors indicated a magma intrusion is forming underground close to Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula.