A on ‘s Reykjanes Peninsula has erupted for the seventh time since December.
The eruption began abruptly at 11:14 pm on Wednesday, forming a fissure approximately 1.8 miles (3 kilometres) in length.
According to Iceland’s meteorological office, which monitors seismic activity, the is notably smaller than the previous one in August.
Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a professor of geophysics, said: “In the grand scheme of things, this eruption is smaller than the last one and the eruption in May.”
He flew over to the site with the Civil Protection Agency to assess the situation and spoke to the national broadcaster RUV.
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Lava and smoke erupting from a volcano near Grindavik on the Icelandic peninsula of Reykjanes (Image: Public Defense Department of the)
Although the eruption does not threaten air travel, authorities have cautioned residents about gas emissions affecting parts of the peninsula, including the nearby town of Grindavík.
About 50 homes were evacuated following an alert from the Civil Protection Agency. Guests at the popular Blue Lagoon resort were also asked to leave as a precaution, RUV reported.
The series of volcanic eruptions near Grindavik – located roughly 30 miles (50 kilometres) southwest of Reykjavik and home to about 3,800 people – has caused significant damage to infrastructure and property, forcing some residents to relocate to ensure their safety.
Prof Magnus Tumi added: “Grindavík itself does not appear to be in immediate danger, and it seems unlikely the fissure will extend further, though nothing can be ruled out.”