A dormant volcano in southwest Iceland for 6,000 years has erupted spectacularly not far from the capital Reykjavik. The eruption, however, was considered relatively small – at this stage – and is not currently a threat to neighboring cities.
The eruption of the Fagradals Mountain volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula was captured by a web camera and confirmed by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The video on its Facebook page showed lava moving at a “slow pace”, according to officials.
The fissure that expels flames, smoke and lava is about 500 meters long. The “fountains” of lava spouted at a height of 110 meters. Its brightness could be seen in Reykjavik, about 30 kilometers away.
Authorities said no evacuation was planned because the volcano is in an isolated valley.
Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir said that Icelandic authorities are monitoring the volcano closely.
“As of now, it is not considered a threat to neighboring cities,” she tweeted. “We ask people to stay away from immediate areas and stay safe.”
Iceland’s emergency management agency has also warned people to stay away. He urged Icelanders to stay indoors with their windows closed due to the gases from the volcano. The air was being monitored for toxins. The Meteorological Center sent a helicopter with scientists to observe the eruption.
The country has been rocked by more than 40,000 small earthquakes in the past four weeks. Only 1,000 to 3,000 have been registered each year since 2014.
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