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Explosive Eruption of Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula Volcano

Michael Montes03 mins

Volcanic Eruption in Iceland: A Dramatic Event Unfolds

A volcano has dramatically erupted in Iceland, expelling spectacular bursts of lava onto the landscape and emitting huge plumes of smoke into the sky. This eruption follows weeks of seismic activity, which resulted in the evacuation of the coastal town of Grindavík in November.

Details of the Eruption

The eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula began at around 10 p.m. local time on Monday, December 18, following an earthquake about an hour earlier, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The eruption’s location is close to Hagafell, only 3 kilometers (about 2 miles) north of Grindavík.

Authorities have indicated that while the eruption poses no immediate threat to life, the area has been closed to all traffic, and they strongly advise people to avoid approaching the site.

An aerial view shows volcanic activity in Grindavik on December 19.
An aerial view shows volcanic activity in Grindavik on December 19. Marco Di Marco/AP
People view the volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland.
People view the volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
A drone picture shows lava spewing from the site of the volcanic eruption north of Grindavik, on December 19.
A drone picture shows lava spewing from the site of the volcanic eruption north of Grindavik, on December 19.

Sigurdur Davidsson/Reuters

This image made from video provided by the Icelandic Coast Guard shows its helicopter flying near to magma.
This image made from video provided by the Icelandic Coast Guard shows its helicopter flying near to magma. Icelandic Coast Guard/AP
A close-up of the southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on December 19.
A close-up of the southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on December 19.

Marco Di Marco/AP

The evacuated Icelandic town of Grindavik, right, is seen as smoke billows and lava is thrown into the air during the volcanic eruption.
The evacuated Icelandic town of Grindavik, right, is seen as smoke billows and lava is thrown into the air during the volcanic eruption.

Viken Kantarci/AFP/Getty Images

A police vehicle is parked at the entrance of the road to Grindavík.
A police vehicle is parked at the entrance of the road to Grindavík.

Marco Di Marco/AP

Local residents watch smoke billow as the lava colors the night sky orange on December 19.
Local residents watch smoke billow as the lava colors the night sky orange on December 19.

Kristin Elisabet Gunnarsdottir/AFP/Getty Images

A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts in Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday, December 18.
A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts in Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday, December 18.

Civil Protection of Iceland/Reuters

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