Iceland Earthquake 2008

On May 29, 2008, a strong earthquake hit southern Iceland.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was centered about 30 miles east-southeast of the capital city of Reykjavik.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake measured 6.1 on the Richter scale, but the Icelandic Geological Survey is reporting that it was a 6.3.

Icelandic media reported as many as a dozen minor injuries and several damaged buildings near the epicenter, in the town of Selfoss.

Residents throughout the area were being told to leave homes and buildings, amid concerns about possible aftershocks.

Fast Facts

1. Magnitude: 6.1
2. Hit: 3:46 p.m. local time
3. Epicenter near town of Selfoss
4. At least two aftershocks
5. June of 2000: Iceland's last quake, 6.6 magnitude

Quotes

1. "It was close to the town of Selfoss and there is apparently, according to the preliminary news, considerable damage in that town."— Paul Enarson, Professor of Geophysics at the Institute of Earth Sciences in Iceland
2. "In Selfoss, where it happened, I heard everything is broken and people are standing outside in the street and everybody is terrified."— Audbjorg Olafsdottir, Reykjavik resident

Categories