Massive 6.3 earthquake hits Iceland

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Massive 6.3 earthquake hits Iceland

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At 15.45 local time, an earthquake struck southwestern Iceland. Thequake was 6.3 on the Richter scale and had its epicentre near the townof Selfoss.

The earthquake was felt strongly in the Icelandic capital Reykjavikand even as far away as Isafjordur in the far northwest of Iceland.

Police in Selfoss closed a local bridge as a precaution. It is notyet known if anybody was hurt, but there appears to be little or nodamage in the capital, Reykjavik. There have been reports of damage tocontents within homes near the epicenter in towns like Selfoss andHveragerdi where residents are staying out doors for security reasons.

This earthquake is the strongest quake to hit urban areas in Icelandsince 17 June 2000. It is said the only reason nobody died that day wasbecause 17th June is Icelandic independence day, and most people wereoutside celebrating at the time.