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A volcano in southwestern Iceland began erupting in the early hours just weeks after the Fagradalsfjall volcano blew.
According to footage from Iceland’s public broadcaster, RÚV, lava fountains were spotted soaring up into the air just shy of 8am local time.
The country’s national weather service had earlier detected 200 earthquakes near Grindavik, about 32 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik.
Scientists believe the eruption is taking place south-southeast of Hagafell by Sundhnúksgígar crater row, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said in an 8.47am local time update.
‘Judging by the pictures, lava is now flowing towards Grindavík,’ the agency said.
‘Based on measurements from the Coast Guard’s helicopter, the perimeter is now about 450 m from the northernmost houses in the town.’
People in a nearby fishing village have been ordered once again to evacuate (Picture: Almannavarnadeild)
The site of today’s eruption is just near where a volcanic blast occurred last month (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
This is the fifth volcanic eruption since 2021 on the Reykjanes peninsula, the country’s most populated region where its many volcanoes had once been dormant for some 800 years.
The Svartsengi volcanic system blew on December 18, where a fissure cracked up and erupted, creating a miles-long river of lava that coursed through the crater row.
Around 4,000 people in Grindavik had to be evacuated in the weeks leading up to the blast, and the fishing village was spared after the lava raced in a different direction.
Residents have been ordered once again to evacuate by the country’s civil defence agency, with the region’s roads closed and hiking banned.
‘Scientists are on their way to the site with a Coast Guard helicopter to assess the situation,’ the agency, called Almannavarnir, said today.
‘People are asked to use caution and avoid being in this area.’
Massive walls of lava have been seen roaring out of the fissure
Suðurnes police, the peninsula that covers the area of the volcanic blast, said that residents have been ordered by text to leave.
The force also had a tip for those eager to safely catch a glimpse of the glowing lava, writing on Facebook: ‘Please do not park your vehicles on the corner on Reykjanesbraut.
‘We suggest that it’s good to go to the Patterson area to watch the eruption.’
The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal spas, had already announced earlier amid the ‘increased seismic activity’ that the spa is shut today.
The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says travellers should check the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the country’s tourism website or the civil defence for the latest updates.
‘A volcanic eruption started on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland on 14 January, north of the town of Grindavik,’ the department’s travel advice page on Iceland says.
The lava appears to be following towards Grindavik, according to weather officials
‘All roads to Grindavík are closed and you should stay away from the area. Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal but you should check for latest updates. Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland have not been impacted.
‘You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities´ advice.’
According to Isavia, which operates Icelandic airports, flights to and from Keflavik are generally running without a hitch at the moment.
Like the Foreign Office, the company’s current advice is to check with Iceland’s weather service or civil defence agency for ‘ principal information’.
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