Volcano in Iceland sees hundreds evacuated from their homes
Volcano in Iceland sees hundreds evacuated from their homes
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Sunday, 21, Mar 2010 08:59
By Sarah Garrod.
A volcanic eruption in southern Iceland has caused hundreds of people to flee their homes.
The volcano near to the Eyjafjallajoekull glacier, some 75 miles east of Reykjavik, erupted overnight and a state of emergency has now been declared in the nearby area.
This is the first time in 189 years a volcano has erupted in the area, and the fear is now that there could be flooding as the glacier melts. Over 500 people are believed to have been taken to safety.
"Ash has already begun to fall in Fljotshlid and people in the surrounding area have reported seeing bright lights emanating from the glacier," RUV public radio said on its website. "It was a bit scary, but still amazing to see."
The country's civil protection agency did not immediately record any injuries or damage.
The Red Cross in Iceland confirmed that 100 people were sheltering with them from the volcano, and said that around 500 more were sheltering with family or friends.