Iceland earthquakes – live: Thousands told to evacuate over volcanic eruption fears as UK gives travel warning

Authorities in Iceland have declared a state of emergency and asked thousands of people to evacuate after hundreds of earthquakes rocked the country's southwestern Reykjanes peninsula. The UK have ramped up its advice to British travellers, saying it is “increasingly possible” that a volcanic eruption could occur. However, they advise: “Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal. While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur. You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities advice on travel to the area.” The advice stops well short of advising against travel to Iceland, meaning airlines and holiday companies are operating as normal – with no automatic right to cancel. Iceland’s National Police Commissioner declared a state of emergency for civil defence after 1,485 earthquakes hit the country in the last 48 hours. Thousands of people living in the southwestern town of Grindavik have been asked to leave as a precaution. According to information from the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), seismic activity in the area has increased significantly since 3pm on Friday.