Impending Iceland Volcanic Eruption: Authorities on 30-Minute Alert

Authorities in Iceland could receive as little as 30 minutes notice before a potential volcanic eruption in the southwestern part of the country, according to the head of the Civil Protection and Emergency Management agency. The Icelandic Meteorological Office has reported hundreds of small earthquakes in the region, with the town of Grindavik potentially remaining evacuated for months. Monitoring efforts are focused on detecting small signs of an imminent eruption, as the situation could change suddenly with little warning. Residents have been given limited time to gather their belongings and leave the area, as the town is believed to be sitting on a corridor of magma.