Magnitude 6.1 Quake Hits Iceland
Iceland shaken by quake of 6.1 magnitude, according to U.S. Geological Survey.
LONDON, May 29, 2008 — -- A strong earthquake of 6.1 magnitude hit Iceland Thursday, 30 miles southeast of the capital Reykjavik, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
It said the quake struck at 3:46 p.m. local time at a shallow 6.2 miles (10 km).
Speaking to ABC News, a desk clerk at Hotel Plaza in Reykjavik said that the quake was felt by residents but that no damage or injuries have been reported yet.
Sources on the ground told ABC News that the earthquake was felt for about five seconds. Radio reports said that the epicenter was on the southern coast and rescue crews have been sent to handle the situation.
Kari Gylfason, a reporter with Iceland National TV, told ABC News that an initial quake took place at around 3:15 p.m. local time. Twenty-five minutes later, a bigger quake struck.
"There are no reports of any injuries so far," Gylfason said, adding that there were reports "from locals of several ambulances headed for many of the smaller towns near the coast."
"The epicenter of the quake took place near the town of Selfoss, located in southern Iceland on the banks of Olfusa River," he said.
Quoting a local reporter for Iceland TV, Gylfason said, "Local businesses have reported strong vibrations and rattling. However, only minor damage done to the interior," (broken windows, tables, chairs) "but no major damage to buildings. Authorities in the area have closed down local bridges and roads due to rock fall in the area."
A Red Cross representative said that "the main bridge [Highway 1] that connects Reykjavik to the southwest part of the country has been closed" but added that it was "not clear if it was precautionary or due to structural damage."
Selfoss also was the location of a 2000 quake measuring 6.7, though no injuries were reported then either. The town is located near the fault-gap between the Eurasian and American plate.
Fabiola Antezana, Maeva Bambuck, Patricia Martell and Reuters contributed to this story.
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