The government of Iceland has declared a state of emergency in the south of the country, where a volcano near the Eyjafjallajoekull glacier has erupted.

The authorities fear the eruption will melt part of the glacier and cause flooding. At least 400 people have been evacuated. All air traffic to and from the capital Reykjavik has been suspended due to a cloud of volcanic ash over the area.The Eyjafjallajoekull glacier is located 120 kilometres south of Reykjavik. The roads in the area have been closed as a precaution. The previous eruption in the area took place in 1821.