Iceland has extended the “danger zone” at risk of a catastrophic volcanic eruption, warning of flowing lava and noxious gases on a wider area of the Reykjanes peninsula. Visitors to its most volatile sector are now required to carry gas masks.

While the volcano has not yet erupted, the situation “could change suddenly with little warning,” the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) cautioned. The nation is currently under a state of emergency.

The warning comes as the number of earthquakes in the area has dropped significantly, which could be a sign that magma is sitting close to the surface, say IMO experts.

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“The level of seismicity today is considerably lower than in the recent days, when 1,500-1,800 earthquakes were recorded each day,” the IMO advised on Monday. There is “continued likelihood of an eruption”.

Continue here: yahoo