Series of earthquakes near Reykjavik near the town of Grindavik triggered a volcano to erupt in the southwestern Iceland on Sunday. This is the second volcanic eruption that has happened recently after December 18 incident.
According to Iceland's RUV television, the community was evacuated overnight. Grindavik, a small fishing town, has about 4,000 people. Lava is flowing a few hundred metres north of the town- about 400 to 500 metres. According to the Icelandic Met Office, the lava is flowing towards Grindavik town. “A crack has opened up on both sides of the dikes that have begun to be built north of Grindavik,” the Met Office wrote.
After few hours of its eruption, the Lava has reached the town of Grindavik setting fire to houses in the streets. Earlier, Grindavik's mayor Fannar Jonasson called the volcanic eruption a "big and serious shock for the population." "This does not look good, because it is a relatively short way for the lava" to reach the town, he said.
The head of civil defence Vidir Reynisson had said that the lava was flowing towards the water pipes and electricity supply. However, it is unclear if they have been affected yet.
Meanwhile, Iceland's president Gudni Johannesson says "no lives are in danger" after this morning's volcanic eruption. He confirmed that the town has been evacuated overnight.
He also added that there will not be any interruption to flights as of now.
Residents of Grindavik were previously evacuated from their homes in November and had to stay away from the town for six weeks following a series of earthquakes and an eventual volcanic eruption. They were allowed to return on December 22.
This is Iceland's fifth volcanic eruption in two years. Iceland is home to 33 active volcano systems.